DOCSLIB.ORG

The Theosophist

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Theosophist THE THEOSOPHIST VOL. 133 NO. 2 NOVEMBER 2011 CONTENTS Buddhist Teachings on Relationships 3 Radha Burnier Live the Life and You Will Come to the Wisdom 8 Mary Anderson Coordination of Science and Human Values 14 C. A. Shinde Some Difficulties of the Inner Life — II 19 Annie Besant The Roots of Modern Theosophy 25 Pablo D. Sender The Life-Path of a Theosophist 32 Vinayak Pandya Theosophical Work around the World 37 International Directory 38 Editor: Mrs Radha Burnier NOTE: Articles for publication in The Theosophist should be sent to the Editorial Office. Cover Picture: Gate at the Headquarters Hall — by Richard Dvorak Official organ of the President, founded by H. P. Blavatsky, 1879. The Theosophical Society is responsible only for official notices appearing in this magazine. 1 THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY Founded 17 November 1875 President: Mrs Radha Burnier Vice-President: Mrs Linda Oliveira Secretary: Mrs Kusum Satapathy Treasurer: Miss Keshwar Dastur Headquarters: ADYAR, CHENNAI (MADRAS) 600 020, INDIA Secretary: [email protected] Treasury: [email protected] Adyar Library and Research Centre: [email protected] Theosophical Publishing House: [email protected] & [email protected] Fax: (+91-44) 2490-1399 Editorial Office: [email protected] Website: http://www.ts-adyar.org The Theosophical Society is composed of students, belonging to any religion in the world or to none, who are united by their approval of the Society’s Objects, by their wish to remove religious antagonisms and to draw together men of goodwill, whatsoever their religious opinions, and by their desire to study religious truths and to share the results of their studies with others. Their bond of union is not the profession of a common belief, but a common search and aspiration for Truth. They hold that Truth should be sought by study, by reflection, by purity of life, by devotion to high ideals, and they regard Truth as a prize to be striven for, not as a dogma to be imposed by authority. They consider that belief should be the result of individual study or intuition, and not its antecedent, and should rest on knowledge, not on assertion. They extend tolerance to all, even to the intolerant, not as a privilege they bestow but as a duty they perform, and they seek to remove ignorance, not punish it. They see every religion as an expression of the Divine Wisdom and prefer its study to its condemnation, and its practice to proselytism. Peace is their watchword, as Truth is their aim. Theosophy is the body of truths which forms the basis of all religions, and which cannot be claimed as the exclusive possession of any. It offers a philosophy which renders life intelligible, and which demonstrates the justice and the love which guide its evolution. It puts death in its rightful place, as a recurring incident in an endless life, opening the gateway to a fuller and more radiant existence. It restores to the world the Science of the Spirit, teaching man to know the Spirit as himself and the mind and body as his servants. It illuminates the scriptures and doctrines of religions by unveiling their hidden meanings, and thus justifying them at the bar of intelligence, as they are ever justified in the eyes of intuition. Members of the Theosophical Society study these truths, and theosophists endeavour to live them. Everyone willing to study, to be tolerant, to aim high, and to work perseveringly, is welcomed as a member, and it rests with the member to become a true theosophist. 2 Buddhist Teachings on Relationships Buddhist Teachings on Relationships RADHA BURNIER THE Buddhist Temple here at Adyar support them if necessary, and cherish was constructed at the suggestion of the their memory. Even an ignorant parent Mahatma KH who even sent a little sketch has done something good. to indicate what kind of shrine it should Then we come to pupils and teachers. be. The full project was the result of The pupil must learn well; he must have Brother Jinarâjadâsa’s deep interest in it. the attitude of learning. This is sadly It was he, who as Vice-President, and as lacking in many schools, and teachers are deputy for Dr Besant got the plan made, discussing what to do about it; students the structure put up, brought the original are also not ready to heed the advice of Bodhi tree branch from Ceylon (Sri teachers. But the teacher, like the parent, Lanka) and planted it there. must train the student in righteousness, in We are told that the Buddha gave what is good or not good, which may useful and helpful teaching to a cultivator cover a whole range of life, from looking who said: ‘I cannot understand the pro- after the physical body to nourishing the found things that you talk about, please soul. It is the duty of the teacher to en- teach me something simple.’ The advice courage students in all that they do which which followed about relationships is is good, and let them develop their facul- suggestive. We can all brood over and ties and their talents. We need not take explore the essentials of relationship. the Buddha’s words literally, because we Krishnaji said life is relationship, for we have biological parents, because there are are all the time related. others who are like parents. There are It is obviously the responsibility of the people who have helped us to learn, who parent to help the child (maybe a grand- are not necessarily teachers in the strict child, an adopted child) to be virtuous, to sense of the term. Even small children at set an example, and to take opportunities times help us to learn because they look of pointing out what is right and wrong. at things so innocently. How to avoid moral pitfalls of life must Then we come to the relationship be included as part of the education which between husband and wife, and one of the the parent should give to the child. Then, important things to notice is that the the child, the son or daughter, must take husband must respect his wife. Perhaps care of the parents, give them due respect, that was lacking in India in those days, as November 2011 3 The Theosophist it is now. A good man must respect his advice; it extends one’s relationship a wife, cherish her, be faithful to her and so great deal because it is not only one’s own on, and see that she is honoured and not family but the families of one’s friends looked down upon. When a husband whose welfare and prosperity we must makes disparaging comments about his have at heart. wife in front of the servants, for example, As Annie Besant said, more than once, he does the opposite. And the wife must progress in realizing unity through atti- run a well-ordered house, be thrifty as a tudes of affection and responsibility start housekeeper, have a very hospitable on a small scale as the individual evolves. attitude to friends and kinsmen and be So to begin with one should have the right generally a support, and of course, chaste. feelings, perform right actions in relation Now we come to the other three types to one’s family and one’s friends. Then of relationships the Buddha dealt with; for the capacity for affection, for responsi- example, the relationship between friends bility, for caring, grows. The whole world and close companions. They must act as becomes one’s family, and everyone is a true friends, friends who seek the welfare friend. This is generally a question with of a companion. This is not just physical even non-personal problems. As a com- welfare, helping him to invest his money munity can face great problems because or something like that. If the friend per- of foolish ideas and foolish actions, we haps has false notions, it is necessary, see that there is much left for every indi- gently, affectionately, to point it out and vidual to take care of. The kind of apathy not say ‘he is a friend and I support him which exists nowadays must be reduced, in everything whether it is right or wrong’. where nobody bothers what is happening This does not mean that we go round to society as a whole. Although this advice interfering or presuming that we alone was given to a simple man, in very simple know what is right. Advice must be taken terms, on pondering over it, we can realize with common sense. Also it means the that there are much larger implications need to share with friends, in prosperity which we must learn for ourselves. or poverty, be generous, discuss and Then there are relationships between receive help. Help must be given cour- masters and servants. In our present-day teously, acting as one does to a true equal. society, so complex in comparison with Friends should watch what is happening the kind which existed in earlier times, to each other, because a person may when there are many countries where sometimes be off his guard, may be there are no servants, it does not mean that unaware of what he or she does, and this category of relationship does not exist. through that kind of inattention be acting It can be said to include those who are foolishly. A true friend should be watch- supposed to be superior, dealing with so- ing and help the other not to get into called subordinates. To those who have difficulties. The Buddha’s advice is good power over others, economic or political 4 Vol.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Energy Healing
    57618_CH03_Pass2.QXD 10/30/08 1:19 PM Page 61 © Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC. NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION. CHAPTER 3 Energy Healing Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie. —WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE LEARNING OBJECTIVES 1. Describe the types of energy. 2. Explain the universal energy field (UEF). 3. Explain the human energy field (HEF). 4. Describe the seven auric layers. 5. Describe the seven chakras. 6. Define the concept of energy healing. 7. Describe various types of energy healing. INTRODUCTION For centuries, traditional healers worldwide have practiced methods of energy healing, viewing the body as a complex energy system with energy flowing through or over its surface (Rakel, 2007). Until recently, the Western world largely ignored the Eastern interpretation of humans as energy beings. However, times have changed dramatically and an exciting and promising new branch of academic inquiry and clinical research is opening in the area of energy healing (Oschman, 2000; Trivieri & Anderson, 2002). Scientists and energy therapists around the world have made discoveries that will forever alter our picture of human energetics. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is conducting research in areas such as energy healing and prayer, and major U.S. academic institutions are conducting large clinical trials in these areas. Approaches in exploring the concepts of life force and healing energy that previously appeared to compete or conflict have now been found to support each other. Conner and Koithan (2006) note 61 57618_CH03_Pass2.QXD 10/30/08 1:19 PM Page 62 © Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC. NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION. 62 CHAPTER 3 • ENERGY HEALING that “with increased recognition and federal funding for energetic healing, there is a growing body of research that supports the use of energetic healing interventions with patients” (p.
    [Show full text]
  • Understanding Our Seven Principles
    UNDERSTANDING OUR SEVEN PRINCIPLES A COMPILATION FROM H. P. BLAVATSKY AND WILLIAM Q. JUDGE Atma “Pure universal Spirit.” ["The Key to Theosophy" p. 92] "Higher Self. The Supreme Divine Spirit overshadowing man. The crown of the upper spiritual Triad in man - Atman." ["The Theosophical Glossary" p. 141, Entry for "Higher Self"] “Atma, the “Higher Self,” is neither your Spirit nor mine, but like sunlight shines on all. It is the universally diffused “divine principle,” and is inseparable from its one and absolute Meta-Spirit, as the sunbeam is inseparable from the sunlight.” ["The Key to Theosophy" p. 135] “This “Higher Self” is ATMA, and of course it is “non-materializable” … Even more, it can never be “objective” under any circumstances, even to the highest spiritual perception. For Atman or the “Higher Self” is really Brahman, the ABSOLUTE, and indistinguishable from it.” ["The Key to Theosophy" p. 174] “THE HIGHER SELF is - Atma, the inseparable ray of the Universal and ONE SELF. It is the God above, more than within, us. Happy the man who succeeds in saturating his inner Ego with it!” ["The Key to Theosophy" p. 175] “We apply the term Spirit, when standing alone and without any qualification, to Atma alone.” ["The Key to Theosophy" p. 115] “In hours of Samadhi, the higher spiritual consciousness of the Initiate is entirely absorbed in the ONE essence, which is Atman, and therefore, being one with the whole, there can be nothing objective for it. Now some of our Theosophists have got into the habit of using the words “Self” and “Ego” as synonymous, of associating the term “Self” with only man’s higher individual or even personal “Self” or Ego, whereas this term ought never to be applied except to the One universal Self.” ["The Key to Theosophy" p.
    [Show full text]
  • The Seven Sacred Bodies - Terms Excerpted from the Glossary of Empowerment
    The Corpus Christi - science of the rainbow body The Seven Sacred Bodies - terms excerpted from the Glossary of Empowerment By Richard Rudd The Corpus Christi — One of the journeys making up the Gene Keys Synthesis, the Corpus Christi is the complete science of the ‘Rainbow Body’ — the true underlying nature of all human beings. The Corpus Christi is a synthesis of transmissions, teachings and techniques that underpins the 64 Gene Keys. Representing the higher ‘Mystery School’ teachings of the Gene Keys, it includes the teaching of the Seven Seals, the Seven Sacred Bodies and the Nine Initiations. Deep immersion in the teachings of the Corpus Christi assists you in grounding and embodying the higher frequencies of light into your everyday life. These are the teachings and techniques that allow you to draw the transmission of the Gene Keys layer by layer into the subtle bodies that make up your aura. Literally meaning ‘The Body of Christ’, the Corpus Christi prepares you to work with higher evolutionary frequencies by progressively purifying the many dimensions of your inner being, beginning with your physical body. The 1st Sacred Body - The Physical/Etheric Body Etheric Body — Sometimes known as the ‘etheric double’, the etheric body is the counterpart of your physical body, extending out beyond it into the aura. As the closest of the subtle bodies to the physical, the etheric body is quite well understood by many cultures, in particular in its relationship to our physical health. Systems such as acupuncture or energy medicine work directly on the etheric body, which consists of a vast network of subtle pathways, meridians or ‘nadis’, which create the fundamental grid of the aura.
    [Show full text]
  • The Theosophist
    THE THEOSOPHIST VOL. 135 NO. 7 APRIL 2014 CONTENTS On the Watch-Tower 3 M. P. Singhal The many lives of Siddhartha 7 Mary Anderson The Voice of the Silence — II 13 Clara Codd Charles Webster Leadbeater and Adyar Day 18 Sunita Maithreya Regenerating Wisdom 21 Krishnaphani Spiritual Ascent of Man in Secret Doctrine 28 M. A. Raveendran The Urgency for a New Mind 32 Ricardo Lindemann International Directory 38 Editor: Mr M. P. Singhal NOTE: Articles for publication in The Theosophist should be sent to the Editorial Office. Cover: Common Hoope, Adyar —A. Chandrasekaran Official organ of the President, founded by H. P. Blavatsky, 1879. The Theosophical Society is responsible only for official notices appearing in this magazine. 1 THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY Founded 17 November 1875 President: Vice-President: Mr M. P. Singhal Secretary: Dr Chittaranjan Satapathy Treasurer: Mr T. S. Jambunathan Headquarters: ADYAR, CHENNAI (MADRAS) 600 020, INDIA Secretary: [email protected] Treasury: [email protected] Adyar Library and Research Centre: [email protected] Theosophical Publishing House: [email protected] & [email protected] Fax: (+91-44) 2490-1399 Editorial Office: [email protected] Website: http://www.ts-adyar.org The Theosophical Society is composed of students, belonging to any religion in the world or to none, who are united by their approval of the Society’s Objects, by their wish to remove religious antagonisms and to draw together men of goodwill, whatsoever their religious opinions, and by their desire to study religious truths and to share the results of their studies with others. Their bond of union is not the profession of a common belief, but a common search and aspiration for Truth.
    [Show full text]
  • The Theosophist
    THE THEOSOPHIST VOL. 129 NO. 9 JUNE 2008 CONTENTS On the Watch-Tower 323 Radha Burnier A Bubble in a Stream 327 Wayne Gatfield The Spirit of Wisdom in your Heart 332 Paul Zwollo The Round Table 335 Mary Anderson Blavatsky at Adyar — From her Letters 340 Adele Algeo Wagner’s Parsifal (Part I) 343 Alan Senior Seek Out the Way 350 Dusan Zagar Theosophy as a Guide in Life 353 Anon Theosophical Work around the World 357 International Directory 358 Editor: Mrs Radha Burnier NOTE: Articles for publication in The Theosophist should be sent to the Editorial Office. Cover: Plain Tiger butterfly (Danaus chrysippus) on Antigonam creeper flowers — by J. Suresh Official organ of the President, founded by H. P. Blavatsky, 1879. The Theosophical Society is responsible only for official notices appearing in this magazine. On the Watch-Tower RADHA BURNIER Seeing the Whole essence is something that we do not know It is well known that our idea of the of at all. But we have to try to know as spiritual path, at best, is only partial and much of it as possible, simply because it therefore not true. Suppose we see only is so beautiful. This is true of certain other one arm of the physical body of another qualities. There is divine beauty which has person, we have a wrong idea of what we nothing to do with a cause, which may see. Similarly, our view of life, whatever embody itself in forms to a small extent, ideas we may have of this physical plane, but does not show its full nature at all.
    [Show full text]
  • Hegel's Philosophy Of
    L- ,o C| L> t ty- NUI MAYNOOTH Ollacali •• atiraann Wt Huad BOHM E AND HEGEL: A STUDY OF THEIR INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT AND SHARED READINGS OF TWO CHRISTIAN THEOLOGOUMENA NEIL O’DONNELL SUBMITTED WITH A VIEW TO OBTAIN THE DEGREE OF M.LITT. NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, MAYNOOTH DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY, FACULTY OF ARTS, CELTIC STUDIES, AND PHILOSOPHY OCTOBER 2008 ACTING HEAD OF DEPARTMENT DR MICHAEL DUNNE SUPERVISED BY DR CYRIL MCDONNELL CONTENTS Preface IV Abstract v Abbreviations and Conventions vii INTRODUCTION CHAPTER I THE DEVELOPMENT OF BÖHME AND HEGEL’S PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION Section One Reaction Against Christian Orthodoxy 6 § 1. 1. The Development o f Böhme ’s Theological Vision in the Face o f Protestant Orthodoxy 7 § 1. 2. Hegel, Tübingen, and Protestant Orthodoxy 16 Section Two Heterodox Leanings 27 § 2. 1. Böhme ’s Period o f Silence and the Failure o f Hermeticism 28 § 2. 2. Hegel's Swabian Heritage 38 Section Three The Return to the Reformation 53 § 3. 1. Böhme ’s Return to the Reformation 54 § 3. 2. Hegel the Reformer? 68 § 3. 3. 1. Liberating Religion from Representation 76 CHAPTER II THE CONCEPT OF GOD 86 Section One The Father 91 § 1. 1. Böhme 's Conception o f the Deus Absconditus 96 § 1. 2. Hegel’s Treatment o f Böhme 's Trinitarian Dynamic 107 § 1. 3. H eg e l’s G od and its H istorical Traces 112 Section Two The Son 119 § 2. 1. The Personhood o f the Trinity 120 §2. 2. The Incarnation 130 Section Three The Holy Spirit 144 § 3.
    [Show full text]
  • A Christian Perspective on Human Destiny
    Spring 2011 Theosis: a Christian Perspective on Human Destiny John F. Nash Summary an ―intermediate state‖—a term coined by John Wesley—in which progress toward he concept of theosis, or deification, has theosis can continue after physical death. T roots in Greek philosophy and was dis- Few western Christians, or, for that matter, cussed by the early Christian church fathers. esoteric students, would recognize the term It enjoyed ongoing support in the mystical ―theosis.‖ Yet it has been a traditional belief theology of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, in Eastern Orthodox Christianity since pa- especially among contemplatives of the tristic times, and influential western hesychastic tradition. While theosis did not churchmen also have explored the concept. find fertile ground in the intellectual envi- Through theosis, proponents argue, man can ronment of the West, a low level of interest share in the divine nature or perhaps recover can be detected throughout the centuries, his primeval divinity. Man can, in a very and attention has increased in recent times. real sense, become ―the image and likeness Orthodox theologians articulate a doctrine of of God.‖ Theosis‘ strongest supporters argue theosis that envisions a profound transfor- that deification was part of God‘s original mation of human nature, made possible by purpose for humankind and that ―redemp- Christ‘s incarnation. Answers to how, when tion‖—viewed in a more positive light than and where we might achieve theosis are simply atoning for sin—was preordained by proposed in the Orthodox literature and, the creative act. Our opportunity to achieve more surprisingly, in the writings of Meth- theosis was established by Christ‘s incarna- odist and Anglican churchmen.
    [Show full text]
  • The Texts of Alice A. Bailey: an Inquiry Into the Role of Esotericism in Transforming Consciousness
    THE TEXTS OF ALICE A. BAILEY: AN INQUIRY INTO THE ROLE OF ESOTERICISM IN TRANSFORMING CONSCIOUSNESS I Wightman Doctor of Philosophy 2006 University of Western Sydney. IN APPRECIATION This thesis would not have been possible without the care, support, enthusiasm and intellectual guidance of my supervisor, Dr Lesley Kuhn, who has followed my research journey with dedicated interest throughout. I also acknowledge the loving kindness of Viveen at Sydney Goodwill, who has continuously praised and encouraged my work, and provided me with background material on the kind of activities that the worldwide community of Alice A. Bailey students are involved in. I sincerely appreciate the role my husband, Greg, played, as my cosmic co-traveller. Without him this thesis would never have materialized, his tireless engagement throughout these years has bolstered my drive to proceed to the very end. Finally, I acknowledge my children, Victoria and Elizabeth, for tolerating my reclusive behaviour, and giving me the space I have needed to write. Philosophy, in one of its functions, is the critic of cosmologies. It is its function to harmonise, refashion, and justify divergent intuitions as to the nature of things. It has to insist on the scrutiny of ultimate ideas, and on the retention of the whole of the evidence in shaping our cosmological scheme. Its business is to render explicit, and –so far as may be – efficient, a process which otherwise is unconsciously performed without rational tests (Alfred North Whitehead 1938:7). TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Letter Code for the Bailey Texts v Abstract vi Chapter 1 Researching the work of Alice A.
    [Show full text]
  • Theosophy Intro.Pdf
    THEOSOPHY AN INTRODUCTORY STUDY COURSE FOURTH EDITION by John Algeo Department of Education THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY IN AMERICA P. O. Box 270, Wheaton, IL 60189-0270 Copyright © 1996, 2003, 2007 by the Theosophical Society in America Based on the Introductory Study Course in Theosophy by Emogene S. Simons, copyright © 1935, 1938 by the Theosophical Society in America, revised by Virginia Hanson, copyright © 1967, 1969 by the Theosophical Society in America. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without written permission except for quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY IN AMERICA For additional information, contact: Department of Information The Theosophical Society in America P. O. Box 270 Wheaton, IL 60189-0270 E-mail: [email protected] Web : www.theosophical.org 2 CONTENTS Introduction 4 1. What Is Theosophy? 7 2. The Ancient Wisdom in the Modern World 17 3. Universal Brotherhood 23 4. Human Beings and Our Bodies 30 5. Life after Death 38 6. Reincarnation 45 7. Karma 56 8. The Power of Thought 64 9. The Question of Evil 70 10. The Plan and Purpose of Life 77 11. The Rise and Fall of Civilizations 92 12. The Ancient Wisdom in Daily Life 99 Bibliography 104 FIGURES 1. The Human Constitution 29 2. Reincarnation 44 3. Evolution of the Soul 76 4. The Three Life Waves 81 5. The Seven Rays 91 6. The Lute of the Seven Planes 98 3 INTRODUCTION WE LIVE IN AN AGE OF AFFLUENCE and physical comfort. We drive bulky SUVs, talk incessantly over our cell phones, amuse ourselves with DVDs, eat at restaurants more often than at home, and expect all the amenities of life as our birthright.
    [Show full text]
  • Lemurian-Scrolls.Pdf
    W REVIEWS & COMMENTS W Sri Sri Swami Satchidananda, people on the planet. The time is now! Thank you Founder of Satchidananda so much for the wonderful information in your Ashram and Light of Truth book! It has also opened up many new doorways Universal Shrine (LOTUS); for me. renowned yoga master and visionary; Yogaville, Virginia K.L. Seshagiri Rao, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Lemurian Scrolls is a fascinating work. I am sure University of Virginia; Editor of the quarterly the readers will find many new ideas concern- journal World Faiths ing ancient mysteries revealed in this text, along Encounter; Chief Editor with a deeper understanding of their impor- of the forthcoming tance for the coming millenium. Encyclopedia of Hinduism Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, a widely recog- Patricia-Rochelle Diegel, nized spiritual preceptor of our times, un- Ph.D, well known teacher, veils in his Lemurian Scrolls esoteric wisdom intuitive healer and concerning the divine origin and goal of life consultant on past lives, for the benefit of spiritual aspirants around the human aura and numerology; Las Vegas, the globe. Having transformed the lives of Nevada many of his disciples, it can now serve as a source of moral and spiritual guidance for I have just read the Lemurian Scrolls and I am the improvement and fulfillment of the indi- amazed and pleased and totally in tune with vidual and community life on a wider scale. the material. I’ve spent thirty plus years doing past life consultation (approximately 50,000 to Ram Swarup, intellectual date). Plus I’ve taught classes, seminars and re- architect of Hindu treats.
    [Show full text]
  • Esoteric Buddhism by A.P
    Esoteric Buddhism by A.P. Sinnett Esoteric Buddhism by A.P. Sinnett Author also of The Occult World President of the London Lodge of the Theosophical Society Fifth edition, annotated and enlarged by the author London, Chapman and Hall Ltd 1885 Page 1 Esoteric Buddhism by A.P. Sinnett CONTENTS Preface to the Annotated Edition Preface to the Original Edition CHAPTER I - Esoteric Teachers Nature of the Present Exposition - Seclusion of Eastern Knowledge - The Arhats and their Attributes - The Mahatmas - Occultists generally - Isolated Mystics - Inferior Yogis - Occult Training - The Great Purpose -Its Incidental Consequences - Present Concessions CHAPTER II - The Constitution of Man Esoteric Cosmogony - Where to Begin - Working back from Man to Universe - Analysis of Man - The Seven Principles CHAPTER III -The Planetary Chain Esoteric Views of Evolution - The Chain of Globes - Progress of Man round them - The Spiral Advance - Original Evolution of the Globes - The Lower Kingdoms CHAPTER IV -The World Periods Uniformity of Nature- Rounds and Races - The Septenary Law - Objective and Subjective Lives - Total Incarnations - Former Races on Earth - Periodic Cataclysms - Atlantis - Lemuria - The Cyclic Law CHAPTER V - Devachan Spiritual Destinies of the Ego - Karma - Division of the Principles of Death - Progress of the Higher Duad - Existence in Devachan - Subjective Progress - Avitchi - Earthly Connection with Devachan - Devachanic Periods CHAPTER VI - Kâma Loca The Astral Shell - Its Habitat - Its Nature - Surviving Impulses - Elementals -
    [Show full text]
  • The Pilgrim and the Path: Living Theosophy
    The Pilgrim and the Path: Living Theosophy A Theosophical Study Course By John Algeo, Ph.D. © 1997 The Theosophical Society in America P.O. Box 270, Wheaton, Illinois 60189-0270 PREFACE THE PILGRIM AND THE PATH: LIVING THEOSOPHY Theosophy tells us that we are pilgrims, implying that we are on a journey to a particular place. If we decide that we are indeed pilgrims and start to look for the path that will take us to the goal of our pilgrimage, we should also have some idea of why we are traveling and where we are headed. To begin a process of self-unfoldment, we had also better know what is being unfolded. These matters are considered in the following lesson and some subsequent ones, based on chapters from a book by I. K. Taimni called Self-Culture or, in later American editions, A Way to Self-Discovery . Two other books will also be referred to ( The Pilgrim Self by Robert Ellwood and The Pilgrim and the Pilgrimage by Emily Sellon), and some supplementary material will be included. —J.A. Contents: PREFACE 1 Evolution in the Light of the Wisdom Tradition 1 2 The Human Constitution 12 3 Self Discovery—A Science (Part 1) 21 4 Self Discovery—A Science (Part 2) 27 5 The Functions of the Physical Body 33 6 The Control, Purification, and Sensitization of the Physical Body 38 7 The Functions of the Desire Body 43 8 The Control, Purification, and Sensitization of the Emotions 50 9 The Functions of the Lower Mental Body 57 10 The Control, Purification, and Development of the Lower Mind (part 1) 63 11 The Control, Purification, and Development
    [Show full text]