Fellowship of Cosmic Fire
Commentary Semester IX Section VI
TCF 1132 - 1137: S9S6 Part II
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2. Motion produces periodic manifestation.
We must here bear in
mind, that we are considering synthetic
alignment in connection with the second aspect, and are therefore
dealing with the activity of those forms of divine manifestation which are nearing their objective.
1.
The third aspect achieved its objective long ago. The second aspect
is in process of achieving its objective within this solar system.
2.
Just before the time of achievement comes the period of “synthetic
alignment”. This is true of the man approaching the higher initiations and of
the Solar Logos approaching the period in which the lesser Planetary Logoi are
absorbed into the greater. The final phases of absorption are conditioned by
the first ray..
3.
We must always remember that the second aspect of divinity is the form building aspect.
This objective might be defined as ability to vibrate synchronously with
the greater unit of which it is a part.
4.
This is an important technical method of describing consummation.
5.
The purpose and will of the inclusive factor then drives all
processes within the lesser factors which are absorbed in the greater.
6.
Right relationship must be achieved with the greater unit which
includes the lesser.
This must, therefore, be considered by the
student in seven ways.
7.
The number seven is
always associated with the second aspect of divinity. The study of the seven
rays comes under the second aspect.
8.
Below, DK begins His numbering from below.
The first three ways concern the relation of the perfected or
nearly perfected units in the three kingdoms of nature with their immediate
group soul,
9.
We are dealing with the relation of the units of mineral, vegetable
and animal units to their immediate group soul.
10.
The relation of which we are speaking can only occur when the units
are perfected or nearly perfected.
11.
We are dealing with ‘vibratory consummation’ indicated as
synchronization.
and their continued
manifestation in any particular kingdom.
12.
Perpetuation follows synchronization.
13.
Changes of kingdom also occur following the achievement of
perfection within a given kingdom. For instance, the perfected or nearly
perfected member of the animal kingdom is poised to become (when the proper
cycle eventuates) a member of the human kingdom.
Fourth, the relation of the disciple, or
man on the path, to his immediate group, and the laws which govern his
reappearance in physical incarnation.
14.
The group is that greater unit which contains the human unit who
has become a disciple, and is, thus, demonstrating as a perfected or nearly
perfected unit.
15.
The group under consideration can be the Ashram or the various
egoic groups, lesser and, eventually, greater.
16.
According to the cycles of the greater group of which man is a
part, so will be the rhythm of appearance of the unit by means of physical
incarnation.
17.
Connected with every ray group, there must be certain cyclic laws
determining the reappearance of its units in physical incarnation.
18.
Every egoic group is found upon a particular ray, and the cyclic
rhythms of that ray determine the times when the units in the egoic group
appear and disappear.
19.
There are also groups of egos categorized by their stages of
unfoldment and not by the ray which conditions them.
Fifth, the relation of a planetary
Spirit to His group of planets,
20.
A “planetary Spirit” is, a Planetary Logos.
21.
The group which contains Him as a unit, is a group of Planetary Logoi.
22.
The section of text above can be read, also, as the relation of a
Planetary Logos to the group of sub-Planetary Logoi (Chain Lords, for instance)
which are included within His expression. But since we are speaking of the relation
of the lesser to the greater, the first reading is probably more accurate.
and the processes of
man's obscuration, or withdrawal, from physical plane manifestation.
23.
As a Planetary Logos containing the unit, man, reaches perfection
or nearly so, its human units are withdrawn into obscuration. On our planet,
this type of withdrawal of obscuration will not take place until after the
"Judgment Day" in the fifth round—whether that round be a chain-round
or scheme-round.
24.
Any Planetary Logos Who reaches His "Judgment Day" within
a certain chain and during a certain round, is certainly beginning His process
of obscuration.
25.
The implication is that the Planetary Logos of Venus (very advanced
compared to the Planetary Logos of the Earth) has certainly, long ago,
experienced His "Judgment Day". One wonders whether those Venusian
human units who did not pass the Venusian "Judgment Day" were sent to
Earth just as the human units who do not pass the "Judgment Day" of
our Planetary Logos will be sent, most probably, to Mars.
Sixth, the relation of the major three
planetary Spirits, or the three major aspects of the Logos and their
manifestation.
26.
There is reason to think of the “three major planetary Spirits” as
the Logoi of the synthesizing planets, and yet these Planetary Logoi are
usually numbered among the seven synthesizing planets.
27.
There are, as well, certain obscure Beings Who, each of them,
require expression through three of our Planetary Logoi. We can think of them
as the Three Logoi, included with the system of a Solar Logos and subsidiary to
the Solar Logos. They can also be regarded as the Three Persons of the Logoic
Trinity.
28.
It can be questioned whether the Logoi of the synthesizing planets
embody the three major aspects of the Logos, fully, or whether the “Three
Persons of the Logoic Trinity” are a still greater embodiment of these aspects.
29.
If one reads around EP II 99, one learns of these Three Beings.
Although normally Uranus is considered related to the first aspect; Neptune to
the second aspect; and Saturn to the third aspect, the groupings of three see
Uranus included among three planets expression the second aspect and Neptune (it may be inferred) included among three
planets through whom the first aspect
expresses. This has to be solved.
Seventh, the relation of the informing
Life of a solar system to the group
of constellations of which He forms part, and His periodic
manifestation.
30.
We continue discussing the relation of lesser groups (and their
units) to greater, more inclusive groups.
31.
There are blinds in the section of text above. Does a Solar Logos
form a part of a “group of constellations” or a group of Solar Logoi and
the stars through which they express? If a Planetary Logos forms a part of a
group of Planetary Logoi, then why should not a Solar Logos form a part of a
group of solar systems instead of a group of “constellations”?
32.
Everything depends on how the term “constellations” is used. From
one perspective, a solar system is a “constellation” of planets. In other
words, within a solar system, planets are constellated (or distributed through
space and arranged according to cyclic law) in a certain manner.
33.
There are ways in which Master DK seems to consider our solar
system a constellation. Elsewhere, He considers it simply a solar system with
one Sun. There are a number of contrasting references in the books.
34.
There are constellations of stars, of course, but we must also
allow the possibility that there are constellations of planets called solar
systems.
These subjects have
been touched upon when we studied incarnation and, earlier still, when
considering pralaya or obscuration, but we
dealt then with them in general terms.
35.
Now, apparently, the method of our treatment is more specific.
We might now deal
more specifically with the final activities, or modes of motion, in these
various congeries of lives,
36.
Each greater unit is a congery of lives. Each of the lesser units
we have been considering is also a
congery of lives.
37.
Activities are “modes of motion”. If we could understand the various
modes of motion, we would understand the nature of every unit in which such
modes are occurring.
and see
what occurs during the final stages of conscious existence, and of limited
manifestation.
38.
The perfection or near perfection of a unit occurs for an B/being
during its “final stages of conscious existence”.
39.
We are speaking of moments of consummation for seven different
kinds of units.
40.
There are some units in the sequence which, apparently, have been
omitted and are not treated.
41.
To review the lives we have been discussing are:
a.
The perfected or nearly perfected units of the mineral kingdom
b.
The perfected or nearly perfected units of the vegetable kingdom
c.
The perfected or nearly perfected units of the animal kingdom
d.
The perfected or nearly perfected units of the human kingdom
e.
The group of Planetary Logoi in our solar system
f.
Either the three higher Planetary Logoi of our solar system
(embodying the three major principles), or three still greater Lives
corresponding to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva (each of which functions through
three Planetary Logoi and each of which expresses one of the three main aspects
of divinity in our solar system).
g.
The group of “constellations” or the group of Solar Logoi to which
our Solar Logos belongs.
The subject [Page
1133] is peculiarly abstruse, particularly where the elemental groups
are concerned,
42.
Elemental groupings must also have their moments of near
perfection, perfection and release.
43.
It is in the next two commentaries that we will discuss the three
groups of elemental lives which find expression through the three kingdoms.
44.
When considering the relation of these three groups to the three
kingdoms, yes, a degree of abstruseness enters.
but certain interesting points might here be
brought out which will bear the closest study.
45.
We prepare ourselves then, for truly detailed study.
Let us consider the
three lower kingdoms first and pass later to the methods and activities of a
human being, of a planetary Logos, and of a solar Logos.
46.
We note that we are omitting to consider the near perfection and
perfection of the Lives which inform certain of the higher kingdoms of nature.
As well, Globe Lords and Chain Lords are not being considered.
47.
We also note that in the section of text above only six categories are mentioned, whereas
above DK enumerated seven.
The appearance, and
the final disappearance, of any manifested Life is intimately concerned with
the possession, the evolutionary development, and the final disintegration,
of the permanent atom.
48.
There are three conditions of the permanent atom to be considered
in these final phases of the expression in form of any Life:
a.
The simple existence of the permanent atom without which there
would be no appearance of the B/being
on planes lower than the plane on which the monadic life of the B/being is
focused.
b.
The degree to which the permanent atom has developed
c.
The manner in which the permanent atom is preparing to be
disintegrated, and finally, the manner in which it is disintegrated.
Permanent atoms, as
the term is usually understood,
49.
When we have qualifying phrase such as this (“as the term is
usually understood”) we must be on the alert. Perhaps some equivalent to
permanent atoms are, after all, to be
found in relation to entities which are not
self-consciousness, are not individualized and do not have relative permanence in time and space.
are
the property of those lives only who have achieved self-consciousness, or
individuality, and therefore relative permanence in time and space.
50.
This is a fascinating statement and one has to explore it
carefully. What shall we say of the atoms appropriated by the Monad before individualization? As the Second
Outpouring begins a number of atoms are appropriated by the Monad (EP I
168-169) Are these not “permanent atoms” existing long before individualization
becomes possible?
51.
Are not group souls based on collections of permanent atoms?
52.
The following statement requires examination in this regard:
“First.
The anchoring of the permanent atoms within their group soul, or the
union of matter and consciousness.” (TCF 450)
“11. The permanent atoms of men are upon the
atomic subplane of each plane, with the one exception of the mental unit. Those
of the animal groups are upon the second subplane; those of the vegetable
groups are upon the third subplane; those of the mineral groups are upon the
fourth subplane. There is,
therefore, a close analogy between these focal points of force of the
group—human or otherwise—and a chain, a globe, and a round, and in their due
application comes enlightenment. (TCF 532)
53.
The Planetary Logos appears to be the correspondence to the man;
the Chain-Lord to the animal groups; the Globe-Lord to the vegetable groups;
the round to the mineral groups.
54.
The grouping of the term “round” with the terms “scheme”, “chain”
and “globe” is always problematic as the term “round” refers to a cyclic
process and not to an Entity, whereas the terms “scheme”, “chain” and “globe”
all refer to instruments of expression for Entities of various grades.
55.
There seems to be the suggestion that the permanent atoms of
schemes (which He does not mention in this context) and those of chains and
globes, which He does mention, are found on progressively ‘lower’ planes or
subplanes.
The
sumtotal of the permanent atoms of any particular kingdom form the streams of
force or spirillae in the greater atoms of solar
entities or of lunar entities,
while the sumtotal of the permanent atoms of man in the spiritual kingdom (the three triadal atoms,
atma-buddhi-manas) form the spiral streams of force within certain centres.”
(TCF 532)
56.
Now can these permanent atoms of lesser kingdoms be said to belong
to Monads and, thus, to those lives which have achieved self-consciousness?
Perhaps. It may be that the members of the four lower kingdoms actually ‘belong’
to the Fourth Creative Hierarchy. This is suggested by what is called the
“inmineralization”, the “invegetalization” and “inzoonation” of the Monad.
57.
From another perspective, can it be that the entities who have
permanent atoms are the great Entities who manifest through the three kingdoms?
Such great Entities are surely those who have achieved “self-consciousness,
individuality and, thus, relative permanence in time and space”.
58.
It does seem clear,
however, that permanent atoms are,
indeed, involved in the manifestation of the mineral kingdom, the vegetable
kingdom and the animal kingdom and not just the human kingdom.
59.
Although the section of text quoted is not part of the material we
are now studying, it seems fair to say (remembering that permanent atoms are
“streams of force”) that the lower permanent atoms form streams of force in
lunar entities whereas the higher permanent atoms associated with a kingdom
form streams of force in solar entities. The lunar entities here referenced may
be larger in scope than we suspect. From one perspective, “Jehovah” as
described in The Secret Doctrine , is a lunar Entity or
god—a ‘moon god’.
The permanent atom
may be viewed as the focal point of
manifestation on any particular plane.
60.
This is one of the very good definitions of the permanent atom.
61.
The functions of this focal point are principally, vitalization and
magnetic aggregation.
It serves, if I may use so peculiar a term, as
the anchor for any particular
individual in any particular sphere, and this is true of the three great groups
of self-conscious Lives:
62.
This is another useful term—an “anchor”—considering the permanent
atom as an anchor for the expression of a particular kind of self-conscious “individual”.
a. The incarnating Jivas, or human beings,
b. The planetary Logoi,
c. The solar Logos.
63.
Here we are speaking of range of “individuals’, including the first
individual—a man—and also far greater Individuals.
We must remember here
that all the atomic subplanes of the seven planes
64.
Solar or systemic planes…
form
the seven spirillae of the logoic permanent atom, for this has a close
bearing upon the subject under consideration.
65.
This is an important statement. The physical permanent atom of the
Solar Logos is not found only on the logoic plane. Its ‘spirillac’ constituents
are found on all the seven planes, though
only on the atomic subplanes of all the planes.
66.
We must, however, explore more deeply the question of whether the
seven systemic planes, themselves, can be considered as seven spirillae, or
only the seven atomic subplanes of each of these seven systemic planes. The
reference immediately below suggests that the planes in their entirety are the
correspondence to the seven spirillae of the physical permanent atom of the
Solar Logos.
Secondly, that all energy, demonstrating in
the solar system, is after all the energy of the logoic physical permanent
atom, having its nucleus on the atomic subplane of the cosmic physical. This physical permanent atom (as is the case
with the corresponding atom of the incarnating jiva), has its place within the
causal body of the Logos on His own plane; it is, therefore, impressed by the
totality of the force of the egoic cosmic lotus, or the attractive quality of
cosmic love. This force is transmitted
to the solar system in two ways: Through
the medium of the Sun, which is in an occult sense the physical permanent atom;
it, therefore, attracts, and holds attracted, all within its sphere of
influence, thus producing the logoic physical body: through
the medium of the planes which are the correspondences to the seven spirillae
of the physical permanent atom of a human being. Thus a dual type of attractive force is found:
one, basic and fundamental; the other more differentiated and secondary. (TCF
1180)
67.
Perhaps the matter of all systemic planes is swept into motion
which correlates with the motion of the atomic subplane of each of those
systemic planes. Thus, perhaps, both thoughts are correct—that only the
subplanes of each systemic plane constitute the seven spirillae of the logoic
permanent atom, and, also, that all seven systemic planes themselves,
constitute the seven spirillae of the logoic permanent atom.
68.
How shall we look at Saturn (the correspondence to the physical
permanent atom of the Solar Logos) and the central planet of six other
planetary schemes (Chart VI) in relation to the seven atomic subplanes of the
seven subplanes of the cosmic physical plane?
69.
DK does not speak specifically of the logoic physical permanent atom, but this is what He seems to mean.
The units, therefore, in the three lower
kingdoms possess no permanent atoms but contribute to the formation of those
atoms in the higher kingdoms.
70.
This is another very important statement. Is it an apparent
contradiction? We have read above of permanent atoms in animal groups,
vegetable groups and mineral groups, and the planar location of the permanent
atoms gathered into these groups has been given. Could these permanent atoms really belong to the Monads of the
Fourth Creative Hierarchy? Are all minerals, vegetables and animals but
incipient men?
71.
Exactly what do the units in the three lower kingdoms contribute to the formation of permanent
atoms in the higher kingdoms, or how
do they do so. This is a very technical matter for which we have no immediate,
complete answer.
72.
It seems that what DK says below will be at least a partial answer.
Certain wide
generalisations might here be made, though too literal or too identified an
interpretation should not be put upon them.
First, it might be said that the lowest
or mineral kingdom provides that vital
something which is the essence of the physical permanent atom of the
human being.
73.
So the mineral kingdom contributes a type of energy which goes to
the formation of the physical permanent atom of the human being.
74.
The physical permanent atom of the human being is on the atomic
subplane of the etheric plane. Above we read that the mineral permanent atom
(or, perhaps, the physical permanent atom of the Entity expressing through the
mineral kingdom) is on the fourth ether.
75.
We are suggesting that the following question needs to be answered:
“Could the permanent atoms involved in these groupings in the mineral,
vegetable and animal kingdom belong in some way to the Lords Who inform these
various kingdoms?
76.
The term “vital something” is certainly not very specific, but at
least we have a statement concerning the relationship between the mineral
kingdom and the physical permanent atom of man.
77.
It must be clear that in such considerations we have entered the
domain of the fifth ray. At least it will require the occult application of the
fifth ray to achieve clarity about the specifics of the processes described.
It provides that
energy which is the negative basis
for the [Page 1134] positive inflow which
can be seen pouring in through the upper depression of the physical permanent
atom.
78.
This is technical language and an incentive to the scientists of
the future for deeper understanding.
79.
Is this energetic something provided by the mineral kingdom
‘located’ at the lower depression of the permanent atom, corresponding to the
atomic south pole?
80.
Are we to imagine that this energy which is the “negative basis” attracts the energy which is called “the
positive inflow pouring through the upper depression of the physical permanent
atom?” This seems possible.
Secondly, the vegetable kingdom
similarly provides the negative energy for the astral permanent atom of a man,
and …
81.
The correspondence between the vegetable kingdom and the astral
permanent atom is frequently repeated.
82.
Just what role this negative energy may play in the economy of the
astral permanent atom has to be established. We may be advised to hold in mind
that, as above, the astral permanent atom (somewhat heart-shaped we are told)
may also have a north and south pole.
83.
It seems that the contributions of the lower kingdoms to the lower
two permanent atoms of man and to the mental unit, induces an electrical flow
which animates these members of man’s atomic triangle.
… thirdly, the animal kingdom provides the negative force which when energised by the positive is seen
as the mental unit.
84.
This is predictable, given the sequence established. Notice that we
are not speaking of the manasic permanent atom but of the “mental unit”.
85.
When positive force meets negative force a focal point is
established. DK, having given us a technical hint about how the mental unit is
established, may also be giving us a hint about the manner in which the
physical permanent atom and the astral permanent atom are established.
86.
Interestingly, with regard to the physical permanent atom and the
astral permanent atom, He speaks as if the atom already exists when the flow of
energy passes from the upper depression to the lower. However, when speaking of
the mental unit, He seems to be telling us about the flow which creates the mental unit.
87.
If we pause and consider, we are being given some very occultly
technical information.
This energy which is contributed by the three lower
kingdoms is formed of the very
highest vibration of which that kingdom is capable,
88.
That which the lower kingdoms give to man is of their very best and
highest.
89.
Can we say that the diamond is the very best that the mineral
kingdom has to offer. Is the diamond, then, related to the physical permanent
atom of man?
90.
It is certainly related to every jewel found at the heart of every
chakra and also, one would presume, to the "Jewel in the Lotus".
and serves as a link between man and his
various sheaths, all of which are
allied to one or other of the lower kingdoms.
a. The mental body... mental
unit................ animal
kingdom.
b. The astral body... astral
permanent atom… vegetable kingdom.
c. The physical body... physical
permanent atom.. mineral kingdom.
91.
These are clear correspondences. We would expect the principle of
crystallization to be found with the physical body; the qualities of vegetative
life to be found within the astral body; the quality of mobility
(characteristic of the animal kingdom) to be found within the mental body.
92.
We must remember that when speaking of permanent atoms and of the
mental unit, we are speaking of points of focus which are exceedingly small. We
are also speaking of energy flows.
93.
The energy contributed by the three lower kingdoms is a linking energy, and allows Man (the
Monad or ‘point of being/consciousness’) to relate to his various sheaths.
94.
We are being told (at least in the case of the physical permanent
atom and astral permanent atom, that the energy contributed by the two lower
kingdoms, allows man the Monad to link to his sheaths via these two permanent atoms. The establishment of this “negative
basis” induces the flow of attenuated monadic energy through the permanent
atoms involved.
95.
The manner in which this flow is induced through the mental unit
appears different, but a “negative basis” and positive flow are also involved.
In man these three
types of energy are brought together, and synthesised, and when perfection of the personality is
reached, and the vehicles aligned, we have:
a. The energy of the mental unit................... positive.
b. The energy of the astral permanent atom... equilibrised.
c. The energy of the physical permanent atom negative.
96.
When is the perfection of the personality reached? In some ways it
is not until the fourth initiation. The number most associated with the
personal elemental is four.
97.
This set of correspondences is repeated on a higher turn of the
spiral within the egoic lotus and also within the spiritual triad.
98.
Within the egoic lotus, the three tiers of petals uphold the
trinity of electrical relations. From a still larger perspective, the
"Jewel" and the synthesis petals represent the positive pole; the
nine normal petals of the ego represent the area of equilibrization; and the
members of the atomic triangle the negative energy.
99.
If we discount the permanent atoms, then the "Jewel in the
Lotus", itself, is the positive pole; the three synthesis petals the
equilibrised area; the nine normal petals the negative field.
100. The bringing together of
these three types of energy and their synthesis is outpictured as the fiery
vivification of the members of the atomic triangle and their fiery interaction
which contributes significantly to the destruction of the causal body. This
happens at the fourth initiation and signifies the true perfection of the personality.
Man is then closely linked with the three
lower kingdoms by the best that they
can provide,
101. Could we say that the Solar
Angel is closely liked with the human kingdom by the best which man (i.e., the
human kingdom) can provide?
and they have literally
given him his permanent atoms, and enabled him to manifest through their activity.
102. Of the Monad appropriating
its permanent atoms, we had not been told that they have been taken from the three lower kingdoms, but we have been told of the planes
and subplanes from which they have been taken. (EP I 168-169) Here, however,
the flat statement is made: that the lower kingdoms have “literally given to
him his permanent atoms…”
103. It does appear, therefore,
that the lower kingdoms pre-existed the taking by the human Monad of its lower
permanent atoms (i.e., the physical permanent atom and the astral permanent
atom, especially). Does this mean that the atoms taken by the Monad are
literally atoms which have been participating in the mineral kingdom, the animal
kingdom, and even the animal kingdom? (Probably the mental unit was not ‘taken’
in the same way, though we might suppose that the manasic permanent atom was so
‘taken’ or appropriated, as were the buddhic permanent atom and the atmic
permanent atom.
104. At the very least we can
say that two of the three lower kingdoms have offered that type of energy which
enters into the constitution of the physical permanent atom and astral
permanent atom, and that one of these kingdoms, the animal kingdom, has
contributed that energy which appears to have made the formation of the mental
unit possible.
105. Let us link what is said of
the arising of the mental unit to the information on the contribution of the
lower kingdoms to the atomic triangle of man:
There
appears a triangle on the mental plane, produced by manasic activity, and this
triangle of fire begins slowly to circulate between the manasic permanent atom,
and a point at the centre of the egoic lotus, and thence to the mental unit, which has appeared upon the fourth
subplane through innate instinct approximating mentality. (TCF 709)
106. The position of the mental
unit on the fourth subplane of the mental plane correlates it with the position
of the mineral permanent atom (or the permanent atom of the Entity manifesting
through the mineral kingdom) since that permanent atom is on the fourth etheric
subplane.
The above three
groups
107. I.e., the three lower
kingdoms…
might be studied also from the standpoint of
the three Gunas:21 [Page 1135]
1. Tamas....inertia....mineral kingdom.......physical
permanent atom.
2. Rajas.....activity...vegetable kingdom...astral
permanent atom.
3. Sattva....rhythm...animal kingdom........mental unit.
108. This is a very interesting
set of correspondences. We realize that for man to reach the Sattvic state, he
must be mentally polarized.
109. The Libran relation to the
mental unit makes a great deal of sense because Libra rules the mental unit (EA
302) and Libra is also the principle sign correlating with Sattva.
Footnote
21:
"Hence every manifested God
is spoken of as a Trinity. The joining
of these three Aspects, or phases of manifestation, at their outer points of
contact with the circle, gives the basic Triangle of contact with Matter,
110. We seem to be speaking of
the triangle inscribed within the circle.
111. The circle, in this case,
seems to be the circle of matter through which the three points or aspects
work.
which, with the
three Triangles made with the lines traced by the Point, thus yields the divine
Tetractys,
112. When we look at the three
triangles, one may have two points at the base line; another base line having
three points; and still another base line, four points.
sometimes called
the Kosmic Quaternary, the three divine Aspects in contact with Matter, ready
to create. These, in their totality, are
the Oversoul of the kosmos that is to be.
113. This Oversoul is based upon
the numbers three, four and ten.
114. A Tetraktys is a “Kosmic
Quaternary” because there are four
rows of points. As it represents the Kosmic Quaternary is the Tetraktys to
begin with the first point on the logoic plane, and the second on the monadic
plane, etc., or to be inverted?
"Under Form we may first glance at the effects of
these Aspects as responded to from the side of Matter.
115. Form is the response of
matter to the formative power of the archetypes.
These are not, of
course, due to the Logos of a system, but are the correspondences in universal
Matter with the Aspects of the universal Self.
116. The forms found within
“universal Matter” reflect the “Aspects of the universal Self”.
117. One would assume that the “universal
Self” is a Being of immensely vaster scope than the “Logos of a system”.
118. Form took its birth far
outside the province of the Logos of our system, for instance.
The Aspect of Bliss, or Will, imposes on Matter the
quality of Inertia-Tamas, the power of resistance, stability, quietude.
119. This is a much higher
correspondence to Tamas as Tamas is usually interpreted. There is ‘inertia’ in
pure Spirit as well as in the unregenerate, unresponsive matter found within
lower forms.
120. The statement in the
section of text above suggests a relationship between the logoic plane and the
systemic etheric-physical plane.
The Aspect of
Activity gives to Matter its responsiveness to action—Rajas, mobility.
121. This is a higher
interpretation than that usually given to Rajas. This type of responsiveness
seems aligned with sensitivity.
122. In the world of super-human
evolution (and confining ourselves to the cosmic physical plane), the plane of
atma is the plane of activity. It reflects itself on both the mental plane and
on the etheric-physical plane.
The Aspect of
Wisdom gives it Rhythm—Sattva, vibration, harmony.
123. Sattva is more than rhythm.
It contains the factor of harmony which indicates an intelligence which
correlates the vibrations of those factors which come into relationship.
124. The “Aspect of Wisdom” can
be correlated with both the monadic plane and the buddhic plane. “Buddhi” is
often translated as “wisdom”.
It is by the aid
of Matter thus prepared that the Aspects of Logoic Consciousness can manifest
themselves as Beings."
125. Matter is prepared by Fohat
for this type of manifestation. Without prepared matter, the manifestation of
the Logoic Aspects of Consciousness as Beings
is not possible.
126. In other words, the First Outpouring
must precede the Second Outpouring and makes its work possible.
—A Study in Consciousness, by Annie
Besant, p. 9.
All these must be
regarded only from the point of view of the personality, the lower self, or
not-self.
127. The Three Gunas are being
considered from the point of view of the personality. However, they also apply
to the higher aspects of man. In such a case, the personality upholds the
position of Tamas; the soul expresses Rajas; the Spirit expresses Sattva.
128. From another perspective,
the personality can be sees as rajasic, the soul as sattvic and the Spirit as
tamasic—resisting every attempt to change it—“unknown and unafraid, untouched,
for aye unchanged.” (DINA II 285)
In illustration of this idea, it might be
pointed out that when the animal body of prehuman man was rhythmically
adjusted, and had attained its highest or sattvic vibration,
129. The highest type of
vibration possible for this type of body….
130. We do not know how such a
vibration would have manifested. Obviously a type of equilibrium was created,
waiting to be disturbed by the entry of a higher factor.
then individualisation became possible, and a
true human being
131. The “true human being” was
obviously not un-individualized,
“prehuman man”.
appeared in manifestation.
132. Thus we see Libra involved
with setting the stage of individualization. Libra saw to the ‘marriage’ of the
Angel and the animal, and, interestingly, rules the mental unit which is
strongly stimulated by the individualization process.
Each kingdom is positive to the one next below it, and between them is found that period of manifestation which bridges the two, and connects the
positive and the negative.
133. For the human kingdom the
implications are clear: the members of the fifth kingdom are “positive” to the
members of the human kingdom. The greater influences the lesser.
134. Notice that Master DK is
not speaking of forms of
manifestation but of “periods of manifestation”.
135. In some ways it seems we
are speaking of “missing links”—states of form and consciousness which are
bridges between the kingdoms.
The types
of most intense rajas or activity in the mineral kingdom are found in
those forms of life which are
neither mineral nor vegetable but which bridge the two.
136. Here, intermediate forms
are cited, and not just a “period of manifestation”.
137. I presume we are to think
that when bridging forms are identified they will be characterised by “intense
rajas”.
138. But, what precisely, are
these forms?
139. It is possible that a
relatively sattvic period is reached in a kingdom, before transition, and then,
to impulse the transition to the next kingdom, a period of rajas is
inaugurated. Information below, seems to contradict this possibility.
140. We seem to have rajas
associated with the bridging process between kingdoms and sattva with the
actual merging into the next kingdom.
Similarly in the
vegetable kingdom, the rajas period is seen in fullest expression just before
the activity becomes rhythmic
and the vegetable merges in the animal.
141. It appears that the merging
of a lower kingdom into a higher is characterized by sattva.
142. We are being told that
without this rhythmic activity there is no merging of the lower kingdom into
the higher.
143. Probably the sequence is: a
long tamasic period; the period of rajas climaxed by intense rajas as
transition is undertaken between kingdoms; a brief period of sattva following upon
intense rajas and signaling the concluding moments of the kingdom just before
entrance into a new kingdom.
144. Such a moment of sattva is
probably found in the human kingdom just before the fourth initiation when the
full development of the causal body is achieved.
145. Could we say that the
entire period of initiation before the fourth initiation is one of intense
rajas and really signals a transition between kingdoms—the human kingdom and
the
In the animal kingdom the same is seen in the
animals which individualise, passing out of the group soul into separated
identity.
146. Is there, then, a bridging
form of life between the animal and the human? Is this what is sometimes meant
by “animal man”?
147. Is the sattvic moment that
actual moment of merging wherein the animal in process of transition from the
animal kingdom to the human kingdom, actually enters the human kingdom?
These types of
activity must be regarded as constituting for the mineral, physical activity,
for the vegetable, sentient activity, and for the animal, rudimentary mental
activity.
148. We see three kinds of
activity which are added to the lower kingdom as it makes its transition into
the higher. The immobile mineral becomes physically active. The relatively
insentient vegetable becomes sentiently responsive. (Recent experiments have
proven some degree of sentient response in the vegetable kingdom.) To the
unthinking animal is added rudimentary mental activity. Each transition adds to
the scope of the units rising into a higher kingdom.
When this triple activity is achieved it might be noted
that the dense physical body of the solar or planetary Logos is fully developed,
and conscious contact can then [Page 1136]
be made with the etheric or vital body. It
is this contact which produces man, for Spirit (as man understands
the term) is after all but the energy, vitality, or essential life of the
solar, or planetary Logos. Its
correspondence in man is prana.
149. Is Master DK saying that
all three kinds of transitions must be in process if the human kingdom is to
come into existence? Does the upreaching of the animal consciousness into the
human require support from lower transitions of the mineral into the vegetable
and the vegetable into the animal?
150. The Spirit/Monad of man
(and not only the Solar Angel) is involved in the creation of the
individualized animal we call the human being. We are reminded that the
Spirit/Monad is an aspect of cosmic
vitality and has it ‘location’ within the cosmic ethers.
151. We find that the cosmic
ethers are involved in the individualization process. The "Jewel in the
Lotus" is conducted through the cosmic ethers as an expression of the
Monad on its own plane, and the three synthesis petals are a results of buddhic
downflow. The impulse which produces the ordinary nine petals seems to emanate
from the higher mental plane, and probably from the manasic permanent atom of
the higher mental plane. (Again, see EP I 168-169)
152. We are learning that the
appearance of man, the self-conscious human being, results from a process of
bridging into the cosmic ethers. Man is the vehicle for the sustainment of this
bridge between the two aspects of the physical body of the Solar Logos or
Planetary Logos—the etheric portion and the dense physical portion.
153. It is interesting that only
when that part of the Solar Logos which exists in the three lower worlds is
prepared, can man be ‘created’.
154. How interesting that man’s
Spirit/Monad is to the Solar Logos as prana is to man.
A comprehension of
this will be brought about if man realises that all the planes of our solar system
are but the seven subplanes of the cosmic physical plane.
155. We are ever reminded of
this point for good purpose.
It is the realisation of this which will
eventually unite science and religion, for
what the scientist calls
energy, the religious man calls God,
156. Here is an utterly simple
statement with profound implications If this conceptual gap (the gap separating
the understanding of “God” and “energy”) can be bridged we shall witness
entirely new possibilities of cooperation between religion and science.
and
yet the two are one, being but the manifested purpose, in physical
matter, of a great extra-systemic
Identity.
157. This “extra-systemic
Identity”, who is both “God” and “Energy” is probably the "One About Whom
Naught May Be Said". Of course “God” and “Energy” extend far beyond this
unfathomable Being—unfathomable to us. Ultimately, “God” and “Energy” are the
One Universal Logos.
Nature is the
appearance of the physical body of the Logos, and the laws of nature are the laws governing the natural processes of
that body.
158. The physical body of the
Solar Logos includes both its etheric and dense physical aspects.
159. Can it be said that the
“laws of nature” extend into the cosmic etheric body of the Solar Logos? We
seem to be told this by the text above, yet in other parts of the Teaching, the
cosmic etheric body of the Solar Logos seem to belong to the realm of
‘super-nature’.
160. We must be alert to those
occasions in which discussion of the physical body of the Solar Logos indicate both His etheric body and His dense
physical body, and those occasions when it means only the dense physical body.
161. Also, while the physical
body of the Logos might be both His
etheric body and dense physical body, the “appearance” of that physical body
might be confined only to His dense physical body.
The Life of God, His energy, and vitality, are
found in every manifested atom;
His essence indwells all forms.
162. In this context, the “Life
of God” are the energies of His cosmic etheric nature.
163. Is a “manifested atom” only
the kind which appears within the lowest part of the very densest subplane of
the cosmic physical plane, or are all
atoms found upon/within the cosmic physical plane to be considered “manifested”
atoms?
164. We have learned that all
subplanes of the cosmic physical plane (and all sub-subplanes as well) are atomic in nature.
This we call Spirit,
165. “Spirit” is the Life of
God, His Energy and vitality.
yet He Himself is other than those forms, just as
man knows himself to be other than his bodies.
166. DK is speaking of the inner
and higher principles of the Planetary Logos or Solar Logos found outside Their
dense physical body.
He knows himself to be a will, and a purpose,
167. Here we are speaking of the
monadic nature of both the Solar Logos and Planetary Logos. The center of
energy from which this will and purpose arise is found on the cosmic monadic
plane.
and as he progresses in evolution that purpose
and will become to him ever more consciously defined.
168. As we come to understand
our interior nature more fully, we discover that its expression is our purpose
and that the degree of power with which it expresses itself is the strength of
our higher will.
So with the planetary
Logos and solar Logos. They dwell
within, yet are found without, the planetary scheme or solar system.
169. The analogy to man is
exact. The Planetary Logos expresses through a planetary scheme and yet has His
higher principles and their vehicles “without” (thus dimensionally beyond) the
planetary scheme. The Solar Logos expresses through a solar system and yet has
His higher principles and their vehicles “without” (thus dimensionally beyond)
the solar system.
170. As Master DK usually
considers the solar system, it consists of the etheric-physical body of the
Solar Logos. His cosmic astral body and cosmic mental body are not included nor
is His cosmic egoic lotus.
It is useful to
remember that in the three lower kingdoms, manifestation, or appearance on the
physical plane, is ever group manifestation and not the
appearance of separated units.
171. The appearance of separated
units appears only with individualization.
172. However separated the
apparent units of the lower kingdoms may appear to be, each one of them is part
of a group appearance. The question remains: “What is the size of these
groupings?” Also, “what higher beings do these groups express?”
Each group soul, as it is called, is divided
into seven parts
which appear in each of the seven races of a
world period,
and there is an interesting distinction between them and the units of the human
kingdom.
173. We are being told that
group souls connected with the mineral kingdom, the vegetable kingdom and
animal kingdom are all divided into seven parts.
174. Apparently the seven parts
of a group soul correspond to the “seven races of a world period”. Presumably,
these “seven races” are forms assumed by the entities which soon will be human (proto-humans)
or are human.
175. Are we being told that each
of the seven races of the human kingdom (including the proto-human types) has
its own flora and fauna? Given the long duration of the root-races, this would
be a distinct possibility.
176. We also appear to be told
that all seven parts of a group soul appear in each of the seven human root-races of a world period. Though the
seven parts may be the same from root-race to root-race, the appearance of each
part in a root-race may be in contrast with such an appearance in the next
root-race.
When portions of the group soul in one of its
seven parts are out of incarnation they are to be found on the astral
plane, even though the Mother
group soul is found on the mental
plane.
177. Here we have some very
important information speaking of the distribution of the parts of the group
soul as found on one or other of the three lower planes.
178. If the “Mother group soul”
is found upon the mental plane, is it the lower
mental plane? Perhaps since the “Mother group soul” is a group soul for
units in the lower kingdoms, this is likely to be the case.
179. DK is almost certainly
saying that parts of a group soul are not simultaneously in incarnation or that
the appearance in incarnation of the various parts are all controlled by
certain cyclic laws.
Human units of the fourth kingdom when out of
incarnation pass through the astral to the mental and descend again to incarnation
from mental levels. [Page 1137]
180. Mental levels, as discussed
in relation to units of the fourth kingdom, are higher mental levels. Man takes incarnation from the higher mental
plane.
181. We are presuming this is
not the case for the parts of the group souls within the lower kingdoms.
Each group soul,
182. Presumably, one for each of
the three lower kingdoms…
therefore, subjectively forms a triangle of force with one point (the highest)
to be found on the mental plane, the lowest on the etheric levels of the
physical plane, and another on the astral plane.
183. It must be the lower mental plane that is referenced
when the lower three kingdoms are discussed.
184. DK is giving us important information
on the planar focus of different kinds of group souls. I have not seen this
information given elsewhere.
The third point for
the mineral group-soul is found on the second subplane of the astral, the
vegetable on the third, and the animal on the fourth.
185. Fascinating information,
showing that even the mineral kingdom has a point of subjective astral focus!
186. Presumably, DK is counting
from below upwards.
187. We have been told that no
unit in the lower kingdoms (since none of them is yet self-conscious) can have
permanent atoms—at least this is what we are told in one reference. Now we read
of “points” of force within a group soul focussed on various subplanes.
Elsewhere we have been told of permanent atoms associated with the three lower
kingdoms (but we are not sure whether these permanent atoms should be
associated with the higher lives manifested through
the kingdoms and group souls, or with the unself-conscious units within those kingdoms. The former is
probably correct.
It is owing to the fact that a centre of
force for the animal group soul is found on the fourth subplane of the astral
plane that it is possible for transference eventually to be made out of that
kingdom into the fourth.
188. Numerology (indicating
numerical resonance) is involved in this transference. The animal group has a
center of focus on the fourth
subplane of the astral plane and can therefore participate in producing the fourth kingdom.
189. Are there analogies here?
The vegetable kingdom having a point of focus on the third subplane of the
astral plane and therefore able to make a transition into the third kingdom?
The mineral kingdom having a focus on the second subplane of the astral plane
and, therefore, able to make a transition into the second or vegetable kingdom?
190. Also, we must consider that
the mental unit is focused on the fourth subplane of the mental plane
suggesting an imminent shift into the causal body.
191. What of man and his
transition into the fifth kingdom? From what type of fifth subplane is this
transition made—from a fifth (from below) subplane on the astral plane or on
the mental plane? May we say that, for man, a focus on the fifth (from below)
subplane of the astral corresponds with the causal body’s lowest focus on the
fifth (from below) subplane of the mental plane? The appearance of that causal
body on that causal body signals the appearance of man.
192. In any case, we learn to
pay close attention to numerical links because they indicate lines of
relationship and progression.