From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Tue, 03 Aug 1999 08:51:20 -0500 From: M K Ramadoss Subject: Sai Baba - Does he claim to be God? In the past, I recall some statements being made that one of the reasons for some "theosophists" objecting to Sai Baba and his teachings is that he claims to be God. During the weekend, I listened to a tape of a lecture by Sai Baba and I could not find any mention what so ever of his being God. Does anyone have any specific reference to back up the claim that he claims to be God? I am wondering if all this is just misunderstanding. While Buddha himself claimed he was a human being like all of us, there are followers who tread Buddha as a God. It is quite possible that it is the followers's misunderstanding and overstatement of treating Sai Baba as a God. mkr From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Tue, 3 Aug 1999 08:59:27 -0500 From: "JRC" Subject: Re: Sai Baba - Does he claim to be God? >I am wondering if all this is just misunderstanding. While Buddha himself >claimed he was a human being like all of us, there are followers who tread >Buddha as a God. It is quite possible that it is the followers's >misunderstanding and overstatement of treating Sai Baba as a God. I think this may be a bit of a cultural/religious misunderstanding ... the mostly eastern concepts of realization, or becoming suffused with inner divinity, or achieving the state of consciousness in which one is fully identified with all of life might be seen as "being God" - though people making the statement in this concept mean it in the sense that we are *all* "God", and that we are just at different stages of the full awareness of that interior divinity. When this relatively sophisticated concept gets translated into the relatively dense conceptual paradigm of the western world, it can get misinterpreted and reduced to "He's claiming to be God!". -JRC From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Tue, 03 Aug 1999 12:37:55 -0700 From: Eldon B Tucker Subject: The August THEOSOPHY WORLD Is Out The August issue of THEOSOPHY WORLD is out. It's contents are: "Annual Brookings Conference" "Free Will and Action," by Leo Tolstoy "Blavatsky Net Update," by Reed Carson "The Philosophy of Nature," by Katherine Tingley "The Wanderings of Odysseus, Part I, An Interpretation," by Charles J. Ryan "Being and Responsibility: The Ethics of THE SECRET DOCTRINE," by Joy Mills "Birthdays of the Dhyanis and Other Cyclic Events," by Dallas TenBroeck THEOSOPHY WORLD is a free Internet monthly available via email (about 100,000 bytes in size). To subscribe, write to editor@theosophy.com. From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Tue, 03 Aug 1999 12:39:23 -0700 From: Eldon B Tucker Subject: The August THEOSOPHY WORLD Is Out The August issue of THEOSOPHY WORLD is out. It's contents are: "Annual Brookings Conference" "Free Will and Action," by Leo Tolstoy "Blavatsky Net Update," by Reed Carson "The Philosophy of Nature," by Katherine Tingley "The Wanderings of Odysseus, Part I, An Interpretation," by Charles J. Ryan "Being and Responsibility: The Ethics of THE SECRET DOCTRINE," by Joy Mills "Birthdays of the Dhyanis and Other Cyclic Events," by Dallas TenBroeck THEOSOPHY WORLD is a free Internet monthly available via email (about 100,000 bytes in size). To subscribe, write to editor@theosophy.com. --- You are currently subscribed to theos-l as: ELDON@THEOSOPHY.COM List URL - http://list.vnet.net/?enter=theos-l To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-theos-l-595B@list.vnet.net From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Wed, 04 Aug 1999 00:03:25 -0500 From: M K Ramadoss Subject: Conference Info Here is an announcement that may interest some. mkr > Subject: Inaugural Congress > From: "Dr. J. Gustavo Vega Gama" > Date: Tue, 03 Aug 1999 23:01:46 -0600 Introduction to the Seminar about Unitary Perception. Inaugural Congress-IAS-Mexico Celaya -Mexico- April 21 thru 23, 2000. "Unitary Perception is the most important but the least known of all the facts of the mind. Once discovered,psychological misery ends and bliss begins" (RFG). Request the final program of the Congress. FINAL PROGRAM FOR THE INAUGURAL CONGRESS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF THE SCIENCES (RSM)-Branch Mexico A.C. In Celaya (Gto) Mexico- APRIL 21 to 23 year 2000. President Founder: Dr. Ruben Feldman Gonzalez National Director: Dr. Gustavo Vega Gama Dean: Prof. Serafin Mercado-UNAM-DF Counselor: Reinhard Selten (Nobel-Prize in Economics) THEME: Unitary Perception. Towards a Planetary Consciousness. Confirmed Lecturers: 1) Prof. Karl Pribram (Neuropsychologist-Univ. of Stanford): "Light,Vision and Planetary Consciousness". 2) Saral Bohm: "My husband David Bohm,the person,the scientist and the origin of his ideas". 3) Prof. Ana Maria Gonzalez Garza (Director of the Educational Dept. and Human Development at Univ. Iberoamericana-Mexico City-DF): "Transpersonal psychology and Planetary Consciousness" 4) Prof. Serafin Mercado (UNAM-Mexico City-DF): "Habitability,Ecology and Planetary Consciousness" 5) Prof. Helmar Frank (President of AIS-RSM-Prof. at Poderborn University-Germany) "Possibilities of Cybernetics and the political need for a neutral world language" 6) Lic. Daniel Solorio Ramirez (Director of the Law Faculty-UABC): "Constitutional Law and Planetary Consciousness" 7) Dr. Gustavo Vega Gama (National Director): "Unitary perception and Planetary Consciousness" 8) Karina de la Torre (UIA-Mexico City-DF) ; "Planetary Consciousness and Nutrition for Mankind" 9) Dr. Prof. Ruben Feldman Gonzalez : "Seminar about Unitary Perception". The three days from 6 to 8 p.m. 10) Invited (not yet confirmed): Reinhard Selten (Nobel Prize in Economics) :" Economics and Planetary Consciousness" 11) Professor P. Krishna Rajghat University, "Physics and Universal Concioussness" EVERY REGISTERED PARTICIPANT WILL RECEIVE A DIPLOMA WITH 12 UNIVERSITY CREDITS. REGISTRATION FEE: 200 USA dollars. Checks to : "IAS-MEXICO A.C." Central office: Granizo 815-Fracc. San Marcos-Mexicali-B.C.-MEXICO Tel.: 52-65-56 49 02 FAX: 52-65-5658 86 E-Mail: iasmexico@yahoo.com --- This Message sent with Aureate Group Mail Free Edition http://software.aureate.com From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Wed, 04 Aug 1999 08:59:34 -0500 From: M K Ramadoss Subject: Re: Sai Baba - Does he claim to be God? At 08:59 AM 8/3/1999 -0500, you wrote: > >>I am wondering if all this is just misunderstanding. While Buddha himself >>claimed he was a human being like all of us, there are followers who tread >>Buddha as a God. It is quite possible that it is the followers's >>misunderstanding and overstatement of treating Sai Baba as a God. > > >I think this may be a bit of a cultural/religious misunderstanding ... the >mostly eastern concepts of realization, or becoming suffused with inner >divinity, or achieving the state of consciousness in which one is fully >identified with all of life might be seen as "being God" - though people >making the statement in this concept mean it in the sense that we are *all* >"God", and that we are just at different stages of the full awareness of >that interior divinity. When this relatively sophisticated concept gets >translated into the relatively dense conceptual paradigm of the western >world, it can get misinterpreted and reduced to "He's claiming to be >God!". -JRC The problem arises when in theosophical circles one holds the firm view that it is ok to hold *blind* *beliefs* about certain acceptable names while it is not ok to treat someone like Sai Baba even handedly for what he has done and has been doing for the welfare of the Humanity. Again when the misinterpretation comes from one who has grown up in the West is understandable; it is more difficult to understand when it comes from those who should know East better. ....mkr From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Thu, 05 Aug 1999 00:33:51 -0500 From: M K Ramadoss Subject: Internet in India Till recently, two or three ISP had monopoly in India. This is a remnant of the approach the British taught India. The monopoly has kept access rates very high thus preventing widespread use of Internet. Finally the Government has decided to license a large number of ISP - couple of 100 which will spur the access to Internet. Again the licensing is a remnant of the British system. Hardware prices have been coming down every day. However, Windows Operating system - the most widely used one - is still very expensive in India. Now free Linux which can be obtained for the cost of duplicating a CD, will make the necessary operating system available in India and other third world countries which again will spur the use of computers. For example the wholesale cost of W98 is $99, one can get Linux disk for $1.89 plus shipping and even perhaps free from someone who has a copy and can make a copy. (I just had the experience of installing Linux on a spare machine and am convinced that third world countries will widely use linux as the operating system of choice, just simply because it is free.) I hope the ease of access of Internet in India may have some effect on TS Adyar to more extensively use Internet as a medium to spur the spread of Theosophy around the world. mkr From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Fri, 6 Aug 1999 07:02:41 From: "Jewel in the Lotus" Subject: Daily Readings from The Jewel in the Lotus It may be that many on this list have not yet had the opportunity to discover that the entire text of The Jewel in the Lotus (Raghavan N. Iyer, ed.) is available at Theosophy Library Online. This full-text searchable book is collection of over 600 daily devotional and study readings compiled to be a "Bible of Humanity" - quotes are exhibited from all spiritual and philosophical disciplines and traditions. They are available online or via email subscription at www.theosophy.org. Here is a sample of titles from the Daily Readings since August 1: August 6 - ANUPADAKA - OCCULT CATECHISM THE ONE SOURCE - Rig Veda DIVINE DARKNESS - DIONYSIUS the AREOPAGITE BEYOND TIME - Maggid Devaraw Le-Ya'aqov August 5 - THE SELF-EXISTENT - STANZAS OF DZYAN THE DEPTH OF BEING - AGNES MARY FRANCES DUCLAUX NOUS TO HERMES - Corpus Hermeticum THE INVISIBLE PRESENCE - H. P. BLAVATSKY August 4 - PARANISHPANNA - STANZAS OF DZYAN HYMN TO CREATION - Rig Veda OUTER LIMITS - Hermes SPACE - MAORI CHANT August 3 - PARAMARTHA - STANZAS OF DZYAN THE CIRCLE OF ETERNITY - Hermes HYMN TO DARKNESS - THOMAS YALDEN THE CAUSELESS CAUSE - H. P. BLAVATSKY August 2 - THE ONE REALITY - Brahmapurana THE SOUL OF ALL SOULS - SOLOMON BEN GABIROL UNTO THIS DARKNESS - DIONYSIUS the AREOPAGITE THE NAMELESS - Tao Te Ching August 1 - ETERNAL FRIENDSHIP - WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART HAPPINESS - HENRY DRUMMOND I FACE HOME AGAIN - WALT WHITMAN VEDIC INVOCATION TO PEACE Please feel free to contact us, Thanks! jewel@theosophy.org From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Fri, 6 Aug 1999 18:11:34 -0400 (EDT) From: Caldwell/Graye Subject: More items at BLAVATSKY ARCHIVES ONLINE BLAVATSKY ARCHIVES ONLINE http://sites.netscape.net/dhcblainfo/index.htm I've added the following 4 items today. 3 more go up tomorrow. And 20 more next week. (1) Dreams about Mahatmas Realized [Part I] by C. Ramiah (2) Psychological Experiences [Part II] By C. Ramiah (3) Mme. Helene Petrova Blavatsky (1831-91) by Nandor Fodor (4) "H. P. B.": Personal Recollections of Madame Blavatsky by Esther Milworthy Daniel H. Caldwell BLAVATSKY ARCHIVES ONLINE http://sites.netscape.net/dhcblainfo/index.htm From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Fri, 6 Aug 1999 07:02:44 From: "Jewel in the Lotus" Subject: Daily Readings from The Jewel in the Lotus It may be that many on this list have not yet had the opportunity to discover that the entire text of The Jewel in the Lotus (Raghavan N. Iyer, ed.) is available at Theosophy Library Online. This full-text searchable book is collection of over 600 daily devotional and study readings compiled to be a "Bible of Humanity" - quotes are exhibited from all spiritual and philosophical disciplines and traditions. They are available online or via email subscription at www.theosophy.org. Here is a sample of titles from the Daily Readings since August 1: August 6 - ANUPADAKA - OCCULT CATECHISM THE ONE SOURCE - Rig Veda DIVINE DARKNESS - DIONYSIUS the AREOPAGITE BEYOND TIME - Maggid Devaraw Le-Ya'aqov August 5 - THE SELF-EXISTENT - STANZAS OF DZYAN THE DEPTH OF BEING - AGNES MARY FRANCES DUCLAUX NOUS TO HERMES - Corpus Hermeticum THE INVISIBLE PRESENCE - H. P. BLAVATSKY August 4 - PARANISHPANNA - STANZAS OF DZYAN HYMN TO CREATION - Rig Veda OUTER LIMITS - Hermes SPACE - MAORI CHANT August 3 - PARAMARTHA - STANZAS OF DZYAN THE CIRCLE OF ETERNITY - Hermes HYMN TO DARKNESS - THOMAS YALDEN THE CAUSELESS CAUSE - H. P. BLAVATSKY August 2 - THE ONE REALITY - Brahmapurana THE SOUL OF ALL SOULS - SOLOMON BEN GABIROL UNTO THIS DARKNESS - DIONYSIUS the AREOPAGITE THE NAMELESS - Tao Te Ching August 1 - ETERNAL FRIENDSHIP - WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART HAPPINESS - HENRY DRUMMOND I FACE HOME AGAIN - WALT WHITMAN VEDIC INVOCATION TO PEACE Please feel free to contact us, Thanks! jewel@theosophy.org From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Mon, 09 Aug 1999 08:18:34 -0500 From: M K Ramadoss Subject: Re: FW: Y2K fix - no joke == check your computer for this needed change Here is a tip which works. Dallas was kind enough to send it to me. I have already implemented it on my W95. mkr At 03:00 AM 8/9/1999 -0700, you wrote: >>>> Aug 9th 1999 Dear Friend: Please see the note below. I used it and found my computer needed to be reset to the 4 DIGIT mode. Best wishes, Dal Dallas dalval@nwc.net > Subject: Y2K fix - no joke Hope this fix works for you[Dallas TenBroeck ] Subject: Y2K TIP...No JOKE! This Y2K tip was sent to me today. I checked my computer and sure enough, it was set for the two digit year. I have changed it now. Maybe we should all forward this information to everyone we know. It's worth a try if it helps us roll our PCs over from 00 to 2000. ================================================= For those of you running Windows, this is a fix for a small Y2K problem almost everyone should do... After running this quick little test, much to my surprise, I learned that both of my computers would have failed on 01-01-2000 due to a computer clock glitch. Fortunately, a quick fix is provided, should your computer fail the test. I submit the following for your consideration: ====================================== 1. Double click on "My Computer". 2. Double click on "Control Panel". 3. Double click on "Regional Settings" icon. 4. Click on the "Date" tab at the top of the page. 5. Where it says, "Short Date Sample", look and see if it shows a "two digit" year. Of course it does. That's the default setting for Windows 95, Windows 98 and NT. (This date RIGHT HERE is the date that feeds application software and WILL NOT rollover in the year 2000. It will roll over to 00.) 6. Click on the button across from "Short Date Style" and select the option that shows, MM/dd/yyyy. (Be sure your selection has four Y's showing, >> not two) 7. Then click on "Apply" and then click on "OK" at the bottom. Done. ============================================ Easy enough to fix. However, every single installation of Windows worldwide is defaulted to fail Y2K rollover ================ End ========================= From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Mon, 09 Aug 1999 08:31:01 -0500 From: M K Ramadoss Subject: Senzar?? I ran a search on white pages and found people with last names as Senzarin and Senzarino. Wonder about the coincidence with Senzar, the language. mkr From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Wed, 11 Aug 1999 07:53:12 -0500 From: M K Ramadoss Subject: Theosophical Groups in Boston Area I have received a request from a friend looking to contact theosophical groups active in Boston area. If any of you know the name and phone number and e-mail address of any groups, please e-mail me privately so that I can pass it on. thanks From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Wed, 11 Aug 1999 08:41:55 -0500 From: M K Ramadoss Subject: Occult History of 3rd Reich There is a four hour set of video tapes titled Occult History of 3rd Reich in the market; a theosophist found it in Best Buy. Has anyone seen the tapes? Any feedback. mkr From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Fri, 13 Aug 1999 14:51:45 -0700 From: "D.Caldwell/M.Graye" Subject: BLAVATSKY ARCHIVES ONLINE BLAVATSKY ARCHIVES ONLINE http://sites.netscape.net/dhcblainfo/index.htm Two new items added to the archives: (1) "Occult Phenomena" by A.P. Sinnett This is the earliest known article by Sinnett in which he describes his correspondence with the Mahatma. When he wrote this article, he had only received MLs #1, 2 and the three short notes 3A, 3B and 3C. Maybe one other short note. Article describes the Brooch Incident No. 2. (2) "Madam Blavatsky: Her Opinions and Her Book" by Elizabeth L. Saxon Daniel H. Caldwell From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 08:21:10 -0500 From: M K Ramadoss Subject: Live Broadcast Live broadcasting on the Internet is going to take one further step with the live broadcasting of a Florida Trial starting 9.30am ET. This simply shows that broadcast canbe done at very little additional cost. Here is further info. Please note that the trend is more and more public access to what goes on in the Government. This trend is well ingrained in the consciousness of the legislators in Washington DC who have taken steps to open up many areas including the tax exempt organizations which are supported by the public. More on this later. mkr ============== "When 68-year-old Shirley Egan goes on trial Monday on charges of fatally shooting her daughter, the ailing woman will be center stage in the first trial the U.S. judicial system has ever broadcast over the Internet." Media organizations previously have aired trials over the World Wide Web, but industry sources said Egan's trial marks the first time that a local court system has put its own proceedings on the Internet. The trial begins at 9:30 a.m. EDT at http://www.ninja9.org/, click on "Live Broadcasts". "We look at it as a way of making a public proceeding even more public," Matt Benefiel, the court administrator." From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Tue, 17 Aug 1999 09:32:49 +0200 (Romance Daylight Time) From: hesse600 Subject: Re: Sai Baba - Does he claim to be God? Dear mkr > In the past, I recall some statements being made that one of the reasons > for some "theosophists" objecting to Sai Baba and his teachings is that he > claims to be God. During the weekend, I listened to a tape of a lecture by > Sai Baba and I could not find any mention what so ever of his being God. > Does anyone have any specific reference to back up the claim that he claims > to be God? > > I am wondering if all this is just misunderstanding. While Buddha himself > claimed he was a human being like all of us, there are followers who tread > Buddha as a God. It is quite possible that it is the followers's > misunderstanding and overstatement of treating Sai Baba as a God. As far as I know Sai Baba claims to be an avatar, which is an incarnation of *god*. I think he claims to be an avatar of Shiva. Sai Baba does claim to be more than an avarage human being, though he also says we all have the same potential, I think. Katinka ---------------------- NHL Leeuwarden hesse600@tem.nhl.nl From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Tue, 17 Aug 1999 10:10:47 +0200 (Romance Daylight Time) From: hesse600 Subject: Re: Sai Baba - Does he claim to be God? MKR wrote: > The problem arises when in theosophical circles one holds the firm view > that it is ok to hold *blind* *beliefs* about certain acceptable names > while it is not ok to treat someone like Sai Baba even handedly for what he > has done and has been doing for the welfare of the Humanity. > > Again when the misinterpretation comes from one who has grown up in the > West is understandable; it is more difficult to understand when it comes > from those who should know East better. I suppose theosophical circles differ, I have heard Radha Burnier wonder about Sai Baba, which to my mind gives the idea that she is open to what he might be. But in general theosophical students study less of the different new prophets than the second object suggests them to do. It is a pity. But I am myself an admirer of Sai Baba, and also part of some *theosophical circles*. ;-) Katinka ---------------------- NHL Leeuwarden hesse600@tem.nhl.nl From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Tue, 17 Aug 1999 10:14:54 +0200 (Romance Daylight Time) From: hesse600 Subject: Re: Internet in India Hi all > I hope the ease of access of Internet in India may have some effect on TS > Adyar to more extensively use Internet as a medium to spur the spread of > Theosophy around the world. Well, Adyar is slow, but it is coming round I think. Though the western branches of *Adyar* are faster than the Indian branch. Also the whole stuff is not well organised yet. We will see. I think Blavatskynet is doing such a good job, Adyar need not duplicate that. Blavatskynet links also to Adyar-sites, so that is good. I think the internet will spread the working together of the different TS-es. Katinka ---------------------- NHL Leeuwarden hesse600@tem.nhl.nl From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Tue, 17 Aug 1999 09:12:51 -0500 From: M K Ramadoss Subject: Re: Sai Baba - Does he claim to be God? At 09:32 AM 08/17/1999 +0200, you wrote: >Dear mkr > >> In the past, I recall some statements being made that one of the reasons >> for some "theosophists" objecting to Sai Baba and his teachings is that he >> claims to be God. During the weekend, I listened to a tape of a lecture by >> Sai Baba and I could not find any mention what so ever of his being God. >> Does anyone have any specific reference to back up the claim that he claims >> to be God? >> >> I am wondering if all this is just misunderstanding. While Buddha himself >> claimed he was a human being like all of us, there are followers who tread >> Buddha as a God. It is quite possible that it is the followers's >> misunderstanding and overstatement of treating Sai Baba as a God. >As far as I know Sai Baba claims to be an avatar, which is >an incarnation of *god*. I think he claims to be an avatar >of Shiva. Sai Baba does claim to be more than an avarage >human being, though he also says we all have the same >potential, I think. > >Katinka Dear Katinka: Where did you read about this? Just interested. And again, the bottom line is what his followers think of him. Looking at the work that is being done, by his followers, I have no quarrel with either his being a god or just another human being. ...mkr From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Tue, 17 Aug 1999 09:19:38 -0500 From: M K Ramadoss Subject: Re: Sai Baba - Does he claim to be God? At 10:10 AM 08/17/1999 +0200, you wrote: >MKR wrote: >> The problem arises when in theosophical circles one holds the firm view >> that it is ok to hold *blind* *beliefs* about certain acceptable names >> while it is not ok to treat someone like Sai Baba even handedly for what he >> has done and has been doing for the welfare of the Humanity. >> >> Again when the misinterpretation comes from one who has grown up in the >> West is understandable; it is more difficult to understand when it comes >> from those who should know East better. > >I suppose theosophical circles differ, I have heard Radha >Burnier wonder about Sai Baba, which to my mind gives the >idea that she is open to what he might be. But in general >theosophical students study less of the different new >prophets than the second object suggests them to do. It is >a pity. But I am myself an admirer of Sai Baba, and also >part of some *theosophical circles*. ;-) > >Katinka Dear Katinka: I think you have hit the nail on its head. To me it does not much matter whether another person is a god, adept, initiate, chela, neophyte, or just an ordinary dumb person or even an inanimate object. What is more important is what I am able to get or understand from any person or thing which makes me a better person as a result of better understanding which may lead to help other living beings whose life may become better because of what I say or do or make things happen. I have good friends who are followers of Sai Baba who have done excellent work and are doing excellent work in helping the poor and needy and I do help them in any way I can. They are some of the people I can seek help any time for any purpose for myself or for anyone else. ...mkr From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Tue, 17 Aug 1999 09:36:43 -0500 From: M K Ramadoss Subject: Re: Internet in India I hope so. The bottom line is making theosophy accessible to the world. Its effect on the world is what counts and not through which channel. There is the long standing organizational mind set which seem to pervade all through the various sections around the world which seem to indicate that none of the elected national and international official are seen on the Internet maillists or newsgroups interacting with the theosophical community. What we see is static web pages (which is mostly one way communication, akin to print publications) and pictures of some of the elected officials in some web sites -- I do not know if those pictures are meant to send any subliminal messages to inquirers? In the longer run, the whole question of the role of organizations may drastically change. Will have to see. mkr At 10:14 AM 08/17/1999 +0200, you wrote: >Hi all > >> I hope the ease of access of Internet in India may have some effect on TS >> Adyar to more extensively use Internet as a medium to spur the spread of >> Theosophy around the world. >Well, Adyar is slow, but it is coming round I think. Though >the western branches of *Adyar* are faster than the Indian >branch. Also the whole stuff is not well organised yet. We >will see. I think Blavatskynet is doing such a good job, >Adyar need not duplicate that. Blavatskynet links also to >Adyar-sites, so that is good. >I think the internet will spread the working together of >the different TS-es. > >Katinka >---------------------- >NHL Leeuwarden >hesse600@tem.nhl.nl > > > From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Wed, 18 Aug 1999 08:44:30 -0500 From: M K Ramadoss Subject: Thanks - Boston Lodge Info Recently I posted a msg inquiring about info on theosophical groups in Boston area as an inquirer living in Boston was interested in. Thanks to everybody who tried to help me with info. Specific mention is to be made is the fact several "theosophists" responded and the President of the Arlington Society personally responded. This society was the one that was sued by TSA and made attorneys rich. No response from any of the TSA officials from wheaton or massachusetts. Is there any wonder why the TSA membership is declining for years? Thanks again. mkr From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Wed, 18 Aug 1999 07:08:23 -0700 From: "Johann Valentin Andreae" Subject: Re: Sai Baba - Does he claim to be God? According to theosophical teachings, we are manifestations of the Monad. an extension of the Divine or Logoic Consciousness. In Christians terms, we are made in the Image and Likeness of God. All religions teach that we can be god-like if not God Itself. Our consciousness determines how much we manifest that divinity to others. Some of those of high status like Baba, Ramakrishna, Sri Aurobindo, St. Francis or Blessed Padre Pio manifest such degrees of holiness that we can indeed say that they are God-bearers. Philalethes Angelfire for your free web-based e-mail. http://www.angelfire.com From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 23:38:40 -0500 From: M K Ramadoss Subject: Theosophy Questions Here is a response I posted today to theos-talk. Since the issues discussed may be of interest to many here on this list, I am posting it here as well. mkr ====================== lgregory@discover.net wrote: In some ways I am fairly new too the actual membership of the TSA, but in other ways I have had intermittent contact with TSA over a period of forty years. So please excuse my limited background and ignorance. Compared with other similar organizations, I feel there are some strengths in the TSA that might be worth focusing on. Openess and willing to hear new ideas indicate there is potential for growth. MKR: 1. I fully agree with what you say. 2. Fundamentally TS/TSA are fine organizations. Particularly we have not seen any financial scandals that many organizations have faced from time to time. 3. Yes. There is a still a potential for growth in the coming millennium. M.K. Ramadoss wrote: >Is >there any wonder why the TSA membership is declining for years? LG: While totally uninformed about the issues raised by Mr, Ramadoss and not really anxious to fan flames of ill feeling, I feel that discussing the issue of decline of the TSA is a valid one. The following are a list of questions that I'm sure most Theosophists have pondered and I would suppose were discussed at National Convention this summer: MKR: I am glad that you also see the issue of decline as a valid one. I do not know if any of them were discussed at the National Convention this summer. I also do not know if any of them were considered at the General Council at Adyar in the past. And of course even if any of them were, we would not know because what goes on is rarely communicated to the rank and file. LG: 1) Has the Theosophical Society served its historical purpose many years ago? MKR: This is perhaps a most important question that anyone can try to address. If the answer is yes, then we all are wasting our time and efforts. Let us look at the conditions that existed in 1875 when the Society was launched. 1. The idea of Universal Brotherhood was *not* the then generally accepted societal norm nor was it a popular one in any part of the world. 2. Segregation was the order of the day in the US. Open discrimination was the order of the day against colored people. Even in India, caste barriers were the social norm. Lower castes were discriminated against. Society was insensitive to the plight of the poor and lower castes. 3. Women were considered as second class citizens. In India child marriages were the norm. 4. Colonialism was internationally accepted norm and all non whites were referred to as niggers in the Victorian England. Most countries in the East were colonies of the West. 5. Spiritualism had a wide attraction to the public while the mechanism behind the phenomenon were not understood nor were there any definitive information available in the West. 6. West knew very little about the knowledge that the East had. 7. Launching the Society on the platform of Universal Brotherhood was a daring task even though fundamentally it is the right basis of human relationships. 8. Transportation and communication was not easy then as compared to what it is today. Considering the Universal Brotherhood as the long term objective, while we have come a long way, IMHO, the world while conceptually accepts it, practically still a long way to go. All one needs is to open the newspaper or turn on the TV or Radio to confirm this. LG: 2) What were some of the elements of the origins of the TSA that made it expand and grow? MKR: 1. The fundamental basis of Universal Brotherhood hit a chord in the early membership. Since this had a social application due to the then existing conditions, it fired up the enthusiasm of the membership and members took active interest in ameliorating the condition. They sprung into action to make a difference. There is no substitute for enthusiasm of the individuals. Members, starting from the Founders onwards were active in practical efforts in helping the societal conditions even though it was done in their personal capacity. 2. The conditions that existed then, attracted men and women in their prime of life and younger generation who had the energy and enthusiasm. 3. Both HPB and Olcott were in their forties and Judge was a young man of mid 20s when TS was launched. Later when Besant came on board, she was in her early 40s. Many many other leaders and workers were also either young or in their prime. All of them worked full time and without any compensation. 4. While on this issue, in all major advancements in the world - spiritual or otherwise - the key players have always been young or in their prime. When you find institutions led by older people, they tend to be either in a maintenance mode or in a state of decline. The TS/TSA seem to fit in the latter category. The question is when are we going to see young players or those in the prime of their life and work full time, and not part time. LG: 3) How did the decline begin? MKR: I do not know if we can identify any of the causes which started the decline. One fact to be noted was that a mass exodus took place after Krishnamurti made his famous "Truth is a Pathless Land" speech and shut down the Order of the Star and proclaimed that one cannot reach Truth through any formal system or organization. If anyone has not seen the speech, I can post it again. While I do not know if money had anything to do with being one of the causes. It was early 1900s, it all started with Miss. Dodge, a wealthy member started pumping money into various theosophical projects and I suppose most volunteers disappeared. LG: 4) What does a decline in membership mean in and of itself? MKR: I think membership do perform an important role. It is the enthusiastic members who are responsible for the local activities which in turn draw attention to theosophy and in turn bring new members. Also, if we look at the continuing trend of loss of membership, it may not be too long before we end up with a handful of members and that would be end of the TS as we know it. LG: 5) What goals/projects does the TSA have that can mobilize its energies? MKR: This is something that I have been thinking about. Considering the current conditions in the world, is there one or more key issues wherein gross natural injustice is taking place even though it is socially accepted as morally ok. One key issue that comes to my mind is the mass cruelty that is being perpetrated against other living beings - animals, birds, creatures of the sea. Very little attention is paid to it by the masses while the cruelty continues day by day. All I am saying is we need to identify a key issue. Then projects can be worked on. In addition, we can look at and see what can be done to attract people in their prime who can be motivated to work with great energy and enthusiasm. The leaderships all consist generally older generation. While grey hair does reflect worldly wisdom, great achievements in the past were by people in their early years - 20s, 30s, and 40s. LG: 6) Granting that membership expansion is desirable, how can it be cultivated? MKR: One instance that comes to my mind. When the American Section with Judge at its head, left TS(Adyar), the task of rebuilding lodges and branches was left to Annie Besant. She visited the US, and lectured in most major cities and thus the membership was built up. Lecture Tours by good and knowledgeable lecturers are bound to rejuvenate the membership. It is also during such tours that the lecturers can find out first hand the kinds of local problems that need to be addressed to help building the membership. Also such visits will lead to further activities in the branches which in turn will bring in membership. One of the greatest multi-way dynamic communication tools of today is Internet. It has a great potential to be used as a tool much the same way the print medium/newspapers was used HPB and others to engage the public and thus spread theosophical principles, which in turn attracted those who in their hearts felt the truth behind them. Very much needs to be done in this arena. The older generation which grew up in pre-computer days does not know how to use the medium as a multi-way communication tool. The older generation still clings to the print means of one-way communication as well as snail mail with all its advantages of slow response. I do not think that the leadership is aware of it because they do not seem to fully understand the medium and its potential. This, IMHO, can only change with the current generation which is growing up in the cyberculture recognize the integral nature of the medium in today's world of instant communication. (As an aside, one of the ways that the Adepts doing things efficiently is due to their instantaneous means of communication and transportation. May be we can learn something from Them.) LG: 7) Are the various aspects being developed in the Theosophy movement today sufficient to attract interest and motivate peoople to join? MKR: Unless there is a clear cut focus on an issue which will arrest the attention of a core group of people and fire them with enthusiasm, all other efforts are not likely to be much helpful. There appears to be too much emphasis on the *theoretical* matters as opposed to what can be done here and now. LG: 8) What should be the focus of the TSA as an organization? 1. Recognize current problems. 2. Once this is done, brain storm the membership and identify some key projects which definite objectives and goals and refine them as they are worked on. 3. Fully utilize Internet for multi-way communication. LG: My own partial answer to the question of the "historical moment" of the TSA was that it at one time represented a kind of "Middle Man" between the newly discovered wisdom of the East in India, etc. and the general public. It was in a position to translate that wisdom and communicate it to the masses. Time has since passed and the votaries on the East have now firmly planted themselves in the Western countries and now speak for themselves... Buddhist, Hindu temples are in most large population centers and therefore easily represent themselves. MKR: Agreed. But I am sorry to say for example the Hindu Temples, while present a side of Hinduism, they are slowing transforming themselves as a place to practice blind faith coupled with the notion that rituals and monetary offerings can solve ones personal problems. LG: In a similar way the TSA also sought to interpret the ancient wisdom of the West to the modern generations. It encouraged scholarship at one time in the fierld of Gnostic studies and other areas that most scholars ninety years ago had ignored. The work of GRS Mead would be an example. Today, Gnostic studies have greatly expanded but still owe much to Mead in my opinion. Spiritualism was also an impetus that was a powerful influence ninety years ago and one could study its influence on the early theosophists.... Today, 1999, the spiritualist movement in America is quite different and altered. Today, interest in Magic and Neopaganism, seems to be developing independently on its own ... Persons who are interested in such things today would probably have been attracted to Theosophy or years ago. These are just some passing thoughts and I'm sure my fellow Theosophists would like to express their ideas. - Art Gregory MKR: More inputs of ideas and discussion can always help. M K Ramadoss From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Sat, 28 Aug 1999 03:18:06 -0400 (EDT) From: "W. Dallas TenBroeck" Subject: Part ONE. Lemuria, Atlantis, Geological Catastrophes, Man's Evolutionary Path Aug 22 1999 An inquiry arose concerning the past of Mankind and the old races that had been given names such as Atlanteans, Lemurians, etc. The questions related to time periods, and the nature of geological time measuring, also, the chronology of the SECRET DOCTRINE was asked about. In considering the past and the attempts to measure and evaluate such misty legends as appear to envelop Lemuria and Atlantis -- those periods when we used Lemurian and Atlantean bodies -- for Occultism holds that we, as immortal EGOS, were the same EGO-Minds that were then evolving in those periods and used those bodies, what does Volume. II of the SECRET DOCTRINE, when compared with modern Geological periods offer us It is largely 1. the establishing of the facts that Esoteric and Oriental Literature and philosophy have recorded in regard to the evolution of our Earth. This covers each of the first 3 ROUNDS (3 times around the 7 GLOBES) and, specifically, it deals with the history of evolution in this, the 4th ROUND. In this 4th ROUND it deals with the most recent time period named by HPB in the SD the 4th GLOBE [see Diagram SD I 200]. One must remember that these (ROUNDS, GLOBES, RACES, SUB-RACES are measures of time. Another fact that esotericism speaks of is that there have been great changes in material (PHYSICAL), psychological (MIND, FEELINGS, EMOTIONS) and spiritual (MONADIC) development. These are traced by occultism and a summary is offered to us, together with explanations in Vol. 2 of the S D. We can, by reading what is offered there, learn in greater detail about our own past history. About that which occurred during those vast periods. In S D I p. 181, HPB gives basic facts about three lines of Evolution. She describes them around that page and names them. 1. Spiritual (or MONADIC). 2. Intellectual ( or Manasic), and 3. Physical. (or material). It will be found that the 2nd Vol. of the S D focuses in still greater detail on the 4 RACES that have preceded ours. It provides information concerning our evolution there and upon the development of mind and psyche and Soul. The physical side of evolution and its remains as fossils and monuments -- contrasting with the Scientific views of geology and archaeology are also discussed as of the time when HPB wrote which was over 1110 years ago. It is very important to realize ( and carry this in mind during the following consideration) that the Reincarnating EGO (Atma-Buddhi-Manas) in each human being is an IMMORTAL (as a MONAD). It has been called the Eternal Pilgrim. It moves from body to body, as the eras and races pass in time and development of faculties that are embodied in the character and the talents of each of us. In all cases there is always an improving of our range of experience; and, gradually we can trace a widening to a comprehension of the Universe, and an intuitional inquiry into the causes of both our diversity and coupled, our close unity. Ultimately we find that the UNITY of ALL dawns on us as a potential and then as an actuality. It is a most wonderful prospect and gives to each of us a sense of purpose, of dignity, and of an importance, which, once grasped cannot be relinquished. We find that brotherhood is the basis for all relationships -- there is a commonality--a sharing--of spirit, mind and matter, that these are all shared, even though we may try to guard that which we think is solely "our own." Therefore, we, who now use 5th RACE, "Aryan Race" bodies, were the same EGOS that used the old "Atlantean" bodies (through each of its 7-fold Races), and, the still older "Lemurian" bodies (and their 7-fold RACE development). When we speak of those old RACES we are speaking of ourselves when we lived in them and used them. We are trying to look into our own past history. When we visit Cyclopean monuments, we are revisiting buildings in which we may have had a hand in their original construction or subsequent renovation and restoration down the eras of time. Our present human bodies--that we are using today--each has in its past as heredity, one or a mixture of the Sub-Races of the 5th RACE. It, the 5th Race, named "Aryan" (or Noble), is said to be about 1,050,000 years old [ SD II 141, 144-5, 395]. The Aryan race arose among the later sub-races of the Atlanteans, and gradually separated from that older root stock. There are still human groups and tribes whose heredity can be traced to the Atlanteans; and even to the last sub-races of the Lemuro-Atlanteans. It takes vast ages for all the traits and characteristics of a great Race to die out completely. All this complexity is explained in detail in SD vol. II. The 3rd Race was named Lemurian. The 4th Race was named Atlantean. Lemuria, as a continent, is said to have begun slipping below the ocean 4,242,352 years back (as of 1888) [ SD I 439fn]. 998,100 years ago the Atlantean continent began sinking [SD II 10, 141, 144, ISIS I 557, 593] The last Island related to Atlantis, is said to have sunk 9,664 BC [ML 155, SD II 5, 8, 406, 444fn, ISIS I 589-94]. In the SD we can find that a special date is drawn attention to (SD I 150 Fn). It is over 18 million years ago, when the Mind of humanity is said to have been "lighted up." [ see SD II 167, 254-5, 70-80]. Since the description of the facts found narrated in ancient oriental literature and the secret books of the Occult Fraternity, runs in many ways contrary to the hypothesis and theories of our modern Archaeology, one finds that much of the 2nd Volume of the SD is a great polemic, and many arguments are advance in contrasting opposing views: the theories of Archaeology and the FACTS of Occult Science and History. Our modern Sciences of Archaeology, Geology, Paleontology, etc... are hardly 250 years old. Looking at the physical evidence only, theories were devised (based on that physical evidence alone) to account for the evolution of living beings on Earth. There was, and is, an on-going conflict between "evolutionists" and "creationists." Geology provides details concerning the effect of climate on minerals, plants and the fossils of animals and humans, and archaeology employs these as clues to the timing of evolutionary events. It is all based on physical evidence. The evolution of consciousness, mind, intelligence, instinct and intuition are invisible, hence the Scientific speculations based on solely the physical evidence of change cannot possibly give an accurate view of their separate evolution. When we look at the evidence of geological change, the S D states that in some cases we may also be looking at the concretized remains and evidence of evolutionary change in the ASTRAL periods. Thus some fossils and strata reflect traces of those ancient Astral conditions and its changes during those past eras in terms of our present highly condensed material -- which now clothes the original Astral forms. [ One might consider (using an analogy) that the space between the Atomic nuclei and their peripheral electrons was even wider in those early days than they are to day, thus making the appearance of "matter" far more tenuous--"misty" to us as a perspective. As matter "condensed" so did the Astral fossils and strata.] The great difference between Occult and material Science in this, lies in a grasp of the nature of the early periods of Astral development and its changes prior to our so very material physical evolution. The early Rounds of our Earth (One, Two, Three to the middle of the 4th ROUND) are largely evolutionary periods involving only the Astral material and its progress. Minerals, plants animals and mankind were all astral in form, and just as "solid" to each other then, in those periods, as we are today solid to one another in this kind of condensed "matter" that we use all the time. Physical Matter, such as we now are familiar with, and live in, became gradually more concretely manifest and visible in the 4th GLOBE of this, our ROUND (which is the 4th in the World series of rounds). The 4th GLOBE, of this 4th ROUND, being the densest -- which is where we are, as "forms," now.). In this our 4th GLOBE, the 7 RACES which form, also, the sub-divisions of time, recapitulate the entire process of development (as the fetus does in the womb) of the 3 earlier ROUNDS. RACES One, Two and Three (Lemurian) up to the middle of the 3rd were largely Astral forms -- of Astral matter, and these have gradually consolidated as the material conditions changed and densified around them. [ SD I 142, ] The Astral form is electro-magnetic in character and for each individual intelligence (be this mineral, plant, animal or human) there is a specific and individual "force-field" to which cooperative materials are attracted. These assist in making a coherent bodily form. Thus, the Astral is held in esotericism to always precede the physical. If one considers what Science teaches us today about the constitution of the atom, we can see that if we analyze our physical body to its ultimate nature we are left with "force-fields" that are "atomic" in nature and quality. But that Power which draws specific atoms to form molecules, cells, and physical structures into a living body, is yet to be located, and subject to analysis. Yet, it exists since we are here, using our bodies and very conscious in them of both feelings and thoughts. At our present evolutionary stage, the astral form/entity is entirely interior to the physical. It forms the mold or framework on which the physical molecules, cells, and other physical structures form a coherent cooperative, in which an Intelligence (called the Human Personality) can reside. It is far more resistant to change than physical matter and serves as the continuing basis for our appearance, from childhood to old age. There is an astral BRAIN which is the true center of Intelligence, and where memory is recorded. The physical Brain changes and alters from second to second, (as does the living matter of the whole body) and so, the Brain, is constantly renewed as it deteriorates and that which needs removal is replaced. It is the physical tool of the Astral True Brain. In Man's form, a MIND (in addition to the feeling, sensitive Personality) also resides [SD II 167, 79-80, 254-5]. Man's form has associated with it, all the impulse of a well-developed instinctual and desire nature. The Mind in man is of the Spiritual essence that inheres in Him; it is THIS (the MONAD -- the HIGHER SELF) that broods over each of our personalities as we live our daily life. We can thus see that no matter how many fossils are discovered, the astral, the mental and the spiritual heredity and evolution cannot be deduced from them. Because of this HPB had to draw comparisons with the facts known to Occultism and those tentative theories and hypotheses that were being advanced by archaeology, and the scientific theories on evolution and heredity that were current in her day -- and which as is usually the case became accepted as "true" and as a "basis" on which to further pursue study and deposit sich additional facts as were unearthed. [One ought to become familiar with the 3 books written by Michael Cremo and Richard Thompson regarding FORBIDDEN ARCHAEOLOGY -- which uncover some of the data that archaeology has concealed -- if it did not fit those theories.] Since HPB's time, there have been some changes brought on by fresh discoveries and technical improvements in the views and dating of modern Science, but the basic distinction between the physical and the astral, the physical and the intellectual, and the physical and the Spiritual consciousness has never yet been derived from fossils. Nor have their evolution been traced except hypothetically. The general theories current when the S D was written over 110 years ago, are still in place, but thanks to dating techniques the antiquity of early times and geological ages have been extended and widened. In the 2nd part of this essay we offer some data for comparison on this. During HPB's time another theory (besides Lyell's 'Gradualism') concerning evolution was also under consideration in France, based on the observations and hypothesis of the eminent scientist Georges Cuvier (1769-1832). Cuvier as a Zoologist and Chancellor of the University of Paris developed from his observations of fossils found in old geological strata the concept of "Catastrophism." Great global cataclysms were seen to substantially alter the progress of evolution from time to time. A perspective is needed to view these. Geologists have revealed many great catastrophic changes that have left their mark on global geology. For example: (These time-frame estimates are made by modern Geology.) Early Cambrian Age (estimated at 570 million years ago). Unicellular forms seem suddenly to give way to multicellular ones showing mineralized skeletons -- trilobites, etc... The cause for this change is not known. At the end of the Ordovician Period (estimated at 425 million years ago). The cause of a vast mass extinction that occurred then is yet to be determined. This was apparently accompanied by a long ice age. At the close of the Devonian Age (estimated at 365 million years ago). Another mass extinction of species occurred -- cause yet to be determined. The Paleozoic Era was brought to a close (estimated at 225 million years ago). A most violent mass extinction (including the ancient trilobites) occurred leaving only about 5% of all species alive. It is theorized that the supercontinent "Pangea" -- "mother" of the present continents was then in place. Water diminished, and sea levels lowered dramatically Massive volcanic action seems to have taken place. Triassic Period, at its end (estimated at 190 million years ago). Another mass extinction of living species was observed. This may have been triggered it has been theorized by the impact of large meteorite or a small comet in the area of Quebec's Lake Manicougan (60 mile wide crater). The subsequent ice age caused a massive die-off of living forms. It is theorized that the hypothetical link (Cotylosaurus) between the dinosaurs and the mammillae and reptiles was destroyed at that time. 65 million years ago another comet/meteorite also collided with the Earth and the resulting devastation caused the death of most of the Earth's species. This included the remaining dinosaurs and reptiles. A world wide layer of iridium between 2 layers of limestone may have been deposited as iridium, rare on Earth, is largely present in meteorites [1980, Alvarez]. Mammals survived and a new distribution of fauna prospered after this. 35 million years ago saw possibly two impacts (one under the Chesapeake Bay, and another in Siberia) that triggered the death of most of the animal species of the Earth, as a great ice age ensued. . This catalog causes one to observe that long periods of relative stability can be traced by geologists to be interrupted by violent events: floods or volcanism. These upheavals alter the course of Life as a whole. Archaeologists and Geologists wonder if a new era and change in quality of life is marked by the rapid development of new species. For example it is noticed that fossils indicate a rapid rise in the mammalian population of the Earth following the general demise of the dinosaurs some 65 million years ago. Later still human fossils begin to be found in strata that seems to be around 4 million years old. In HPB's time a very grudging 40 to 100,000 years was allowed for the emergence of the human frame, presumably from that of the apes, which so closely resembled them. But the S D teaches that the Apes are the descendents of man and not its predecessors or progenitors. [ see SD, Vol. II] Scientists of HPB's time like Mr. De Quatrefages and others, challenged this "descent from the Apes theory" because anatomically man's skeleton can be shown to precede that of the Apes. To explain this: Man's skeletal form is far more primitive, and the skeletons of the Apes show specializations that could only be derived by environmental requirements placed on them. Whereas the human skeleton can be shown to remain unchanged in structure no matter how old the strata may be from which his fossils may be found. The antiquity of the strata shows no variation in man's skeleton. Further the special characteristics of various human skeletal features can be found today among us. We are also aware that today with our current highly technological civilization, there are savage tribes and races that still co-exist with us in South America, Australia, Africa, Polynesia, (not to mention the "inner-city" jungles that we have created in our large cities). An additional factor is the size of the brain. It has to be noted that Man's cranial capacity, the average -- including those we term 'savages' -- is 100 cubic inches or more. This is about 3 times as large as the brain volume of the largest Ape, the Gorilla, which measures on the average, 31 cubic inches or less. [SD II 293fn, 661, 676, 682]. [ Close of Part 1 of this study and report.] Dallas Dallas dalval@nwc.net From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Sat, 28 Aug 1999 03:18:19 -0400 (EDT) From: "W. Dallas TenBroeck" Subject: Part 2 -- Atlantis, Lemuria, Giants, etc... Aug 25th 1999 PART 2 == ATLANTIS, LEMURIA, GIANTS, etc... [ Part Two ] It is important as we said at the beginning of Part 1 to remember that the entire evolutionary cycle of humanity on our Earth is 3 fold: 1. Spiritual (or MONADIC), 2. Intellectual (Mind and Emotion conjoined), and, 3. Physical [SD I 181]. In all cases the units are immortal MONADS. The study of evolution is the study of the progress of the Monads as each is assisting in the evolutionary development of others which are less progressed. In all cases, the wiser assist the rest, who have less experience, in theirs. It is a vast living and progressive BROTHERHOOD. It is a vast cooperative. The first object of the TS is to demonstrate that. The SD was written with that purpose in mind, hence the HISTORY (SD I 267) of the past is opened to all of us as never before. The sweep of esoteric History shows us in retrospect where we have been and how we have participated in the maturation process that has produced our talents, character, and our personality in general; it now plays an important part in our motivation. But, as students of Theosophy we have to always remember that these are not he essential "US." We are the Spiritual MONAD, which is Atma-Buddhi-Manas. The "personality" is our vehicle, and our "pupil." We ought to use the diagram that HPB gives us on p. 200 of SD Vol. I quite frequently. This "Part Two" deals mainly with the 3rd, 4th and 5th ROOT RACES of GLOBE "D" in the 4th ROUND. [ the Lemurian, Atlantean, and Aryan root Races through which we have passed, and are now passing, as immortal Egos. ] If we wish to review the information given in the SECRET DOCTRINE concerning the land masses (continents) that were used (in this the 4th ROUND, GLOBE "D") by the early RACES, when we were incarnated in and used the type of bodies provided by those RACES, we could open the 2nd Vol. of the S D at p. 6 where a table of Continents is given: TABLE OF CONTINENTS [ 4th Round, Globe "D" ] 1. "he IMPERISHABLE SACRED LAND" lasts from one end to the other of the Manvantara. Presumably this is an area which is never destroyed by either floods or volcanism but is reserved for the use of the Wise, who alone know its present location. 2. "The HYPERBOREAN" -- 2nd Continent - extended its promontories south from the North Polar area. Apollo (the Sun, Hyperboreas) traveled there once a year according to Greek tradition, and for that half year visit, the Sun never set there. 3. "The LEMURIAN" -- 3rd Continent -- (the name was invented by P. L. Slater who between 1830-60 asserted its existence on zoological grounds). He contended (as does the Secret Doctrine) that it stretched, shaped like an enormous crescent from Greenland in the West through England, Europe and North Africa, then passed through Madagascar and Mauritius, through Ceylon and Sumatra, then, including Australia, it crossed the Pacific, touched South America and California and ended in what we call north-east Asia after passing through the area we name the Bering Straits in the East. Extreme volcanism began the period of Lemurian destruction [SD II 266], and finally its remnants were swept away in a vast flood around 4,242, 352 BC [SD I 439fn]. 4. "ATLANTIS" -- 4th Continent. It included portions of the 2nd and the 3rd Continents, but was chiefly massed in what is now the Atlantic Ocean, permitting the passage over land from Europe to America. It had many important land masses associated with it, including north Africa and Egypt, as well as portions of Central Asia, and some remnants of Lemuria in the Indian and Pacific ocean areas [SD II 403, 327]. Atlantis began a cataclysmic sinking around 998,100 years BC [SD II 141], and its largest peninsula was submerged around 850,000 BC [SD II p. 10]. Posedonis, the last island (of which Plato wrote) sank in 9,566 BC [SD II 155 406 444fn ISIS I 589-594, "Five Years of Theosophy," p. 99fn]. A number of archeologists and paleographers have remarked on the close similarity of monuments, zodiacal and astronomical records, and of script that is to be traced on opposite sides of the Atlantic--showing an ancient linkage there. 5. "AMERICA" -- is the 5th Continent. However, in old Sanskrit literature it was located at "Patala" -- the "antipodes" to India It is the land mass related to our Race, named the Noble (Aryan). Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor are parts of the 5th continent; and, more recently, America has once more become more densely inhabited in the last 300 years. But, as we may see when we consult a map of our Earth, our land masses of today include portions of the older continents that have been heaved up out of the ocean. Submersion and upheaval are constantly going on. It should be noted that the records of the SECRET DOCTRINE are not limited by (or to) the present geographical outlines of the configuration of our present continents. It may be noted that the present "plate-tectonics" hypothesis is not endorsed by the S D. This plausible hypothesis has recently engaged the attention of geologists and geographers. It advances the concept that our present known continental patterns are fixed to their "plates." These in turn "float" and gradually move on a softer subterranean core of a more fluidic mass of hot rock; and the result is that they have participated (without altering shape) over millions of years in "continental drift." But, this is not a theory that is confirmed by the esoteric history of our Earth, as given in the SECRET DOCTRINE. In tracing the past history and movements of the RACES, the land masses follow the order of evolution of the RACES from 1st to the 5th. The book The SECRET DOCTRINE, does not take into account the location and fate of many islands and peninsulas since the face of the Earth has changed many times, and the Poles have been inverted several times [SD II 350 353 360 368 432-3 785-6 436]. The last serious geographical and geological change occurred around 12,000 BC [SD II 8-9] and was followed by the submergence of Posedonis (9,566 BC). Change in the elevation of the continents and islands is not always violent states the SD [SD II 787fn]. GIANTS The stature of man (which in the early Astral matter races, was gigantic as compared with ours) has varied and decreased with the concretisation of the material environment. The passage from the 1st to the 5th RACE following this increased densification is traced in the SD [SD II 9 224-5 336-8] On page SD II 338, we read of a still existing series of statues on the north side of the Hindu Kush range that illustrate this decrease. At Bamiyan stand carved in stone the record of the decreasing size (173, 120, 60, 27, to 6 feet in height ) of the physical forms that humanity has used. A few years ago the magazine NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC published photographs of these. LIBRARIES and RECORDS The SECRET DOCTRINE states that a complete record of all these many changes covering millions of years, have been maintained [SDI xxiv-v, xxxii, xxxix, II 324-29 334-5]. Ancient monuments were erected to show Astronomical time, and record the source of measures as well as other facts that succeeding civilizations could use when the time came for their civilizations to emerge again [SD I 439fn II 346 430 501 732]. FIRST CITIES It was in the 5th Sub-race of the 3rd Root Race (Lemurian) that mankind separated sexually [SD II 715fn] In the 6th and 7th Sub races Cities were built and the first seeds of civilization were scattered under the watchful eyes of the "Divine Instructors" [SD II 20-21,199, 220-1, 317-19, 366, 432, I xxxiv-v]. It was then that language and writing were developed [SD II 199-201, 346fn, 439-42, 729, I xxxii]. GEOLOGICAL CYCLES OF CHANGE Our Earth is subject to 7 major periodical entire changes which occur as the RACES change on the GLOBE where they are evolving [SD II 329]. The RACES and their Continents are periodically destroyed alternately by fire (volcanoes and earthquakes) and water [floods] -- this is a doctrine as old as man [SD II 725]. Our continents, like Lemuria and Atlantis, have been several times submerged and then have reappeared so that they may bear their fresh crop of civilized groups of mankind [SD II 332]. AS an example the Egyptian Pyramids are said to have been three times submerged [SD I 313 424 617 II 351-2 462-575 749-50 Such re-emergence is accompanied by a cleansing process whereby the thick deposits that cover the land are disposed of and restore its fertility [SD II 325]. -------- TIME CHARTS [ We give below a table of Geological Ages as they were estimated in HPB's time, and as they are estimated now. [SD II 710] GEOLOGICAL CHRONOLOGY [ These dates are used by Scientific Geology and are approximate estimates only. ] ----------------------------- Name of 1888 1999 GEOLOGICAL AGE HPB's S D DATES MODERN DATES ================= ============== ============== PRIMORDIAL . 321,000,000 years, [SD II 711-2] PALEOZOIC Laurentian . . . 1 billion years ?? (+/-) Cambrian . . . 590,000,000 years Ordovician . . . 505,000,000 Silurian . . . . 438,000,000 PRIMARY . 150,000,000 years [SD II 712] Devonian . . . 408,000,000 years Carboniferous . . . 360,000,000 Permian . . . 280,000,000 SECONDARY . 45,000,000 [SD II 713-14] MESOZOIC Triassic . . . . 248,000,000 Jurassic . . . 213,000,000 Cretaceous . . . 144,000,000 TERTIARY 9,000,000 [SD II 714] CENOZOIC Paleocene . . . 65,000,000 Eocene . . . . 55,000,000 Oligocene . . . 38,000,000 Miocene . . . 25,000,000 Pliocene . . . 5,000,000 QUATERNARY 1,600,000 [SD II 715] Paleolithic . . . Pleistocene . . . 2,000,000 Neolithic . . . Holocene . . . 100,000 Historical . . . 10,000 (?) PRESENT DAY [Origin and Evolution of Mammals considered SD II 724-738.] ==================================================== ==================================================== THEOSOPHICAL and HINDU CHRONOLOGY [SD II 68-70] C H R O N O L O G Y ===================================================== Year Groups, Tribes Notes and References From To or Individual ===================================================== Universal and World Periods SD II 68-70 OCEAN 125 _____________________________ 311,040,000 000 000 years = Maha Kalpa, or Life of Brahma (100 of Brahma's years) [311 trillion, 40 billion] SD II 70 3,110,400,000,000 years = 1 Year of Brahma SD II 70 [ 3 trillion, 110 billion ] 8,640,000,000 years = 1 Day + 1 Night of Brahma 4,320,000,000 years = 1 Kalpa = l Day of Brahma or 1,000 Maha-Yugas SD II 69 or 14 Manus SD II 59-60 [ see The Theosophist, Nov., 1885, p. 115-6; 1 Day of Brahma = 4,294,080,000 years = 994 Maha-Yugas or 14 Manus add 25,920,000 years = 1 Sandhi (twilight) SD II 308fn _____________________ 4,320,000,000 years = 1 Kalpa or 1 Day of Brahma (4 billion, 320 million) SD II 69-70 1 Manvantara = 306,720,000 years = 71 Maha Yugas of 4,320,000 years add 1,728,000 years = 1 Sandhi SD II 69 ____________________ 308,448,000 years = 1 Manvantara SD II 69 4 Yugas [ The 4 "Ages" ] . . SD II 69 ML p. 121, IS I 32 1,728,000 years = Krita (or Satya, or Golden Age-Yuga) 1,296,000 years = Treta (or Silver Age--Yuga ) 864,000 years = Dwapara ( or Bronze Age--Yuga ) 432,000 years - Kali ( or Black, Iron Age--Yuga ) __________________ 4,320,000 years = 1 Maha Yuga - or 1/1000th of A Day of Brahma SD I 136 II 69 HPB Art. III 422; Lucif XIII, 183-4 ML 121 ISIS I 14 32 293 301-4 428 587 II 260 ============================== Solar or Heliacal Year 25,868 years SD I 314 Ocean 121 ( 1 Sub-race ) SD I 439fn II 141fn 330fn 436fn Metonic Cycle 6,586 days = cycle of eclipses ( or revolution = 18 yrs. 11 1/2 day - the moon's node [a cycle of 6,585 days (18.041 years) Grand Cycles Orpheus: 120,000 years IS I 294 fn Cassandrus 136,000 years IS I 294 fn ====================================== Our Earth 1,955,884,687 years (in 1887) from the beginning of "cosmic evolution" SD II 68fn - 300,000,000 Years as a Sandhi (twilight) ______________ 1,664,884,687 years (in 1887) from the first appearance of "Humanity" (on this planetary chain) as a physical form SD II 68fn Kali Yuga ours is the 28th age of the 7th Manvantara of 308,448,000 years ISIS I 32 ====================================== B. C. 18,618,727 Lighting up of Manas [ mind ] (as in 1887) SD I 150fn; SD II 69 254-5 4,000,000 c. Engulfing of Lemuria (e.g.:--Easter Island) 4,242,352 SD I 439fn II 68-70 141 [4th Round, 4th Globe, 3rd "Race"] Easter Island - evidence SD I 322 439 II 224 317 Atlantis [ Titans / Kabiri / Cyclops ] [4th Round, 4th Globe, 4th "Race"] 1,050,000 Beginning of the 5th "Race" SD II 141 144 435 Vedas SD I 269-71 II 483-4 450 606 616 T M 5-67 Glos 361 IS I 444 THY 2-468 Theos't I-247 Col. I TOP. WQJ ART II 82-3 Theos't 9-428 1,050,000 BC Vedanta SD I 7 50-1 269 451 Glos 361 253 (Uttara Mimansa - Vyasa) Theos't I-201 287 9-411 Lucif 6-119 Advaita (non-dualistic) SD I 8 55 522 II 637 GLOS 7 (Shankaracharya - founder) ML 53-4 Theos't 10-7 Glos 307 Dwaita (dualistic) Manu Smriti (Code of Manu dates from Krita Yuga) IS I 585-6 1,000,000 Aryan Race began SD II 395 Theosophy 45, p. 219 Brahmin invasion of N. India Is II 156fn 169 158 Is II 323 192 SD I 209 II 565 Glos 222 Persians, Turanians, Goths, Slavs IS. I 569-576 II 426-433 c. 1,000,000 - 500,000 B C 998,100 Cataclysms: Atlantis begins sinking SD II 141 Is I 557 593 SD II 10 144 Glos 42-3 869,000 Dwapara Yuga Commencement (since 1888) SD II 147 ( Kali-Yuga began 3,102 BC ) 850,000 Since submergence of last large peninsula of the Great Atlantis SD II 10 850,000 Glacial Period est. by Stockwell & Croll SD II 141 144 800,000 Angkor Wat built (2nd most Occult Edifice) Glos 223 Is I 239 561-8 271-2 500,000 - 250,000 B C 470,000 Babylon's astronomical observations go back to this Nebo or Birs Nimrud, CWB 13-274 Isis I 533 450,000 Epoch of Ramayana (Brahmin estimate) C & J p. 73 Theos't Vol. 10-35 SD II 496 IS II 278 Glos 275 400,000 Egypt was settled by the Atlanteans and the Eastern AEtheopeans SD II 750 250,000 - 100,000 B C 250,000 + Last Glaciation of Europe Isis I 3 Pyramids were 3 times submerged SD I 313 424 617 S D II 462-6 575 435 749-50 351-3 462 351-2 93 276fn 429 GL 223 GLOS 300 IS I 154 239 296-7 517-21 THY Vol. 67-p.54 Sphinx (Harmachus) SD II 124 618 Glos 135-6 Is I 573 200,000 Chaldean Astronomical Observations extended back at Alexander's invasion -- Berosus SD I xxvi 200,000 Stockwell & Croll est. of last Glaciation SD II 144 100,000 - 30,000 B C 78,000 + Denderah Zodiac [Egyptians brought from Lanka--Menes ] SD II 374fn 431-6 456 577 580; IS I 440-1 49,186 Egyptian Records go back to ( Diogenes Laertius ) by 8,863 yrs. in 323 BC IS I 33 34,300 Sumerian Tablet gives 32,234 yrs between Deluge and last king of Isin c.200 BC Thy 16, p.195 30,000 - 10,000 B C 29,217 Alpha Polaris (Dhruva) (as Pole Star) (in 1888) 31,105 yrs ago Glos. 17 15,194 Zodiac Originated 1st degree of Aries ( Ram ) 15,086 Vernal Equinox and 1st degree of Libra coincided ( 16,984 yrs ago in 1888 ) SD I 658 12,300 Vyasa - Uttara Mimansa & Vedanta taught Isis II 621 "Bhadarayana" SD I 50 269 451 Glos 361 11,100 Vega (Alpha Lyrae was Pole Star Thy 17-18 10,000 - 6,000 B C 9,566 Deluge of Deucalion. Last Island of Atlantis ML p. 155 submerged. Last war between the "Sons of God" of the "White Island" and the last Atlantean sorcerers ISIS I 589-594 5 Yrs of Thy p. 99 SD II 406 444fn 9,500 Atlantis - Last Island sank Timaeus"- Plato as narrated by Priests of Sais to Solon TM 46-469 8,000 Hindu Initiates had same Secret Philosophy then as now (estimate) SD II 406 IS II 535 8,000 Tchandalas (Semites) begin to emigrate from India to Chaldea SD II 200 Glos 323 165 IS I 135 551-2 578 Isis II 438-9 SD I 313fn 7,975 End of the last Sidereal Year Ocean 129 SD I 649-50 (9,868 yrs. before 1893) SD II 314 331 432 470 6,500 c Zarathustra (6,000 yrs. before Plato c 400 BC)Glos. 384-5 IS I 19 II 141 SD I 464 II 323 Theos't I-13 Thy 14-97 Zoroaster was a Title - 24 Zoroasters. The last was a contemporary of Gautama Buddha. c. 600 BC ] 6,000 - 4,000 B C 6,000/5,000 Trojan War nearer 6,000 BC S D II 437fn Thy 27-103 IS I 520 598 Glos 96 (Dardanus) SD II 101 236 440 5,100 Neith (1st Dynasty) Lucif 2-465 SD I 399 Glos 77 227 234 4,100 c Manu-Vina (Menes) to Masra (Cairo) IS I 627 516 SD II 335 374 431-2 436 746; Thy 15, 317 4,000 - 3,000 B C 3750 Sargon I reigned (Prof. A.H.Sayce) SD II 691 3,700 Local Deluge in Middle East S D II 691 3,200 c Date assigned to last Veda Vyasa by the Brahmins. [Vyasa is a title.] Glos 362 3,102 Kali Yuga began Feb. 16, AM: 2 Hrs, 27 Min, 30 Sec. [ the only precise time given ] SD I 662 SD II 147 fn 3,102 Krishna's death (18 Feb. 3,102 BC) Glos 170 387 [ midnight 17/18 ] Thy. I-p. 374; IV-p. 37 3,102 Hindu Zodiac Begins at sunrise Feb 18th SD I 662 ( origin of present Hindu era: "Vikram Samvat" and Zodiac, Tiravalour, So.India ) 3,100 c Vikramaditya rules at Ujjain ("Vikram Samvat") SD I 662 [ begins at Sunrise, February 18th 3,102 B C ] 3,100 c Fu - H'si ( Krishna of China ) Thy 14- 308 Po - H'si ( 1st Ruler of China) Thy 14- 1 3,100 c Arjuna to Patala ( marries Ulupi ) SD II 214fn [ Orphean Mysteries ] Glos 29 ("Patala" = Mexico ) Thy 15, 546 IS II 561fn 3,100 c Orpheus identified with Arjuna Thy 27, 148 Glos 242 (On travel to Patala, stops in Greece) HPB ART III 138 IS I 532 II 129 550 SD I 207 267fn 529 784 Lucif 16-273 Theos't 5-20 Col 2 Bot, "Mysteries of Orpheus" established. 3,000 - 2,000 B C 3,000 c Gilgamesh epic "Flood" of Jewish Bible Thy 16, 307 2,875 c Akkadians (Semites) Sumer Sargon IS I 576-78 2,800 c Yi-King (Chinese Kabala --Akkadians) Thy 25-444 2,700 Hwang-Ti 3rd after Po-H'si Thy 15-19 Thy 14-310 Babylon & Assyria Glos 47 37 IS I 567 ML 152 THY 16-194 307 2,253 Chaldean Astronom. Observations for the past 1903 years Calliosthenes to Aristotle (c 350 BC) IS I 21 Kasidim Glos 75 81 39 196 IS I xxviii 534 459 567 HPB Art III 134 ML 152 CWB 5-13 326-8 SD II 620 2,200 c Shu-King and Shi-King (China) Thy 14-310 IS I 11 Hammurabi (Code) Babylon Thy 16-196 2,000 c Sumeria old texts interlinear Semitic Thy 16-194 translations Thy 21-414 2,000 - 1,000 B C 1,925 c Hittites capture Babylon IS I 567-8 1,850 c Chung-Ki (China ) Thy 14-34 1,700 c Knossos (Crete) at its height IS I 264 545 [ c 3,000 BC - 1,400 BC ] 1,628 Thera (Santorini) Volcano Erupts (Tree Ring Dating) [ L A Times, Aug 29 1996 ] [ End of Minoan Civilization, and tidal waves overwhelm coasts of Eastern Mediterranean.] Chronology interrupted at this point. DTB End of PART TWO Dallas Dallas dalval@nwc.net From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Sat, 28 Aug 1999 03:18:32 -0400 (EDT) From: "W. Dallas TenBroeck" Subject: Atlantis, Lemuria, Giants, etc... PART 2 == CHRONOLOGY Aug 26th 1999 Re: Atlantis, etc., Part 2 = CHRONOLOGY Dear Friends: I wish to apologize to you for a very garbled table of the Theosophical Chronology that was included in the 2nd part of the posting that I made on this subject. I realised that when I received my copy of it. I have redone it and attach it herewith for your consideration. Please make the substitution, I hope this is clearer. Dallas dalval@nwc.net ==================================== An Introduction to a Theosophical C H R O N O L O G Y __________ Note This is an attempt to place events and personages within various accepted, and Theosophical time-frames. It is hoped that it will help in observing the evidence of the work and observations of Wise Men and Sage Adepts of the past. It will help the compilers if you would contribute any corrections or additions to this growing project, as a result of your own study and use of this list. _____________ Most time references are based on the periods that HPB has given us in either ISIS or The S.D., or in her articles. This is under active completion and verification, hence, you will be asked to excuse some errors that will be found, and invited to draw the attention of the compiler to correcting facts. Verifying dates have occasionally been secured from Encyclopedia Britannica and other sources, and those have been added to those from Theosophical sources. If the exact date is uncertain : c / ? . _______________________________ Abbreviations used: IS = Isis Unveiled Glos = Theosophical Glossary SD = The Secret Doctrine Thy = Theosophy Magazine (LA) Key = Key to Theosophy Theos't = Theosophist ( Adyar ) Lucif. Lucifer Magazine Path = The Path ( New York ) ML = Mahatma Letters T M = Theos. Movement Mag. Bombay) Ocean. Ocean of Theosophy HPB Art = Collected HPB Articles CWB = Collected Works HPB WQJ Art = Collected WQJ Articles C & J = Caves and Jungles of Hindoostan ----------------------- A Theosophical View of Chronology Introduction The sub-title given to this survey indicates the attention that H. P. Blavatsky paid to the historical, factual aspect, of the records of the Adepts. ( SD I 272 ) "The Secret Doctrine teaches history…" ( SD I 267 ) One of the factors faced in the effort to envision the scope of time past is the tendency, inherited from theological views in the West, which tend to foreshorten history and dwarf the periods of evolution that are a part of the lore of ancient nations especially in the East, in their estimates or records concerning pre-historical eras and epochs, and events which they recorded. This present list considers time periods given in record preserved by the Great Lodge of Adepts, from which HPB gives fragments of data relating to vast achievements in the Past--and records or reports of its arts, sciences, technologies, buildings, chronologies, astronomy, and a thousand other indications, which tend to show that we are, in our present whirl of research, retracing the patterns of that past, and adding to the testimony that increasingly validates it. Students of Theosophy take into account certain foundational concepts, such as :-- 1. Reincarnation: that we are essentially in our spiritual, natures, Immortals, and have lived many lives on this Earth; 2. that Karma, the law of justice and of fairness to all beings (from the atom to the Galaxy) is The Law for every aspect of the Universe; and that it consists of an harmonic balance at all points; so that all circumstances can be traced to choices made earlier; 3. the ideal of Human Brotherhood is not a myth but a solid fact as science and psychology demonstrate daily that we share in each other, as in all aspects of Nature; and finally, Ours is a "moral" Universe. All is Nature, and it is fair, just and impartial to all. 4. There is an actual, a Universal All--an Encompassing Unity (or Causation), which forms the living and sensitive base for all evolution and all individual consciousness. A factor that serves to make the Universe, evolution, and man's independence valuable, is the fact that it is, in reality, a vast school. Every being (from the imponderable atom to the utmost reaches of Space, is an entity, an immortal and conscious "something" (perhaps a "pupil" of more or less advancement in the vast scheme). It is an index of the intelligence that is innate in every life-atom (MONAD) that makes cooperation with every other being possible, e.g., we could consider cellular cooperation in our body, where some 100 trillion cells (made up of an incredible amount of atoms and molecules) coordinate to give us (the Perceiver, the Witness) a physical basis of life and consciousness. The objects of the Theosophical Movement are:-- 1. To form the nucleus of a Universal Brotherhood of Humanity without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or color; 2. The study of ancient and modern religions, philosophies and sciences and the demonstration of the importance of such study; and 3. The investigation of the unexplained laws of Nature and the psychical powers latent in man. _________ C H R O N O L O G Y ================================================================= Year Groups, Tribes Notes and References From To or Individual ================================================================= Universal and World Periods SD II 69-70 OCEAN 125 _____________________________ 311,040,000 000 000 years = Maha Kalpa, or Life of Brahma (100 of Brahma's years) [311 trillion, 40 billion] SD II 70 3,110,400,000,000 years = 1 Year of Brahma SD II 70 [ 3 trillion, 110 billion ] 8,640,000,000 years = 1 Day + 1 Night of Brahma 4,320,000,000 years = 1 Kalpa = l Day of Brahma 1,000 Maha-Yugas SD II 69 or 14 Manus SD II 59-60 The Theosophist, Nov., 1885, p. 115-6 1 Day of Brahma = 4,294,080,000 = 994 Maha-Yugas or 14 Manus add 25,920,000 = 1 Sandhi (twilight) SD II 308fn _____________________ 1 Kalpa is 4,320,000,000 years = 1 Day of Brahma (4 billion, 320 million) SD II 69-70 1 Manvantara = 306,720,000 = 71 Maha Yugas of 4,320,000 yrs add 1,728,000 = 1 Sandhi SD II 69 ____________________ 308,448,000 years = 1 Manvantara SD II 69 4 Yugas [ The 4 "Ages" ] . SD II 69 ML p. 121, IS I 32 1,728,000 years = Krita (or Satya, or Golden Age --Yuga) 1,296,000 years = Treta (or Silver Age --Yuga ) 864,000 years = Dwapara (or Bronze Age --Yuga ) 432,000 years - Kali ( or Black, Iron Age--Yuga ) __________________ 4,320,000 years = 1 Maha Yuga - or 1/1000th of A Day of Brahma SD I 136 II 69 HPB Art. III 422; Lucif XIII, 183-4; ML 121; ISIS I 14 32 293 301-4 428 587 II 260 ============================== Chaldean Cycles . . . ISIS I 30 fn 3,600 years = 1 Sar (or Saros ) IS I 21 30 34 533 II 467, Path X 301 600 years = 1 Neros 60 years = 1 Sossus Berosus, priest of the Temple of Belus, Babylon IS I 30 fn SD II 38 331 432 566; SD I 114 314 389 435 649 655fn Glos. 108 291 (Sar) 225 258 Solar or Heliacal Year = 25,868 years SD I 314; Ocean 121 (1 Sub-race) SD I 439fn II 141fn 330fn 436fn Metonic (Moon) Cycle 6,586 days = cycle of Lunar eclipses (or revolution = 18 yrs. 11 1/2 day - the moon's node [a cycle of 6,585 days (18.041 years) Grand Cycles Orpheus: 120,000 years IS I 294 fn Cassandrus 136,000 years IS I 294 fn ====================================== Our Earth 1,955,884,687 years (in 1887) from the beginning of "cosmic evolution" SD II 68fn - 300,000,000 Years as a Sandhi (twilight) ______________ 1,664,884,687 years (in 1887) from the first appearance of "Humanity" (on this planetary chain) as an astral form SD II 68fn Our Kali Yuga is the 28th age of the 7th Manvantara of 308,448,000 years ISIS I 32 ====================================== B. C. 18,618,727 Lighting up of Manas [ mind ] (as in 1887) SD I 150fn; SD II 69 254-5 4,000,000 c. Engulfing of Lemuria (e.g.:--Easter Island) 4,242,352 SD I 439fn II 68-70 141 [4th Round, 4th Globe, 3rd "Race"] Easter Island - evidence of SD I 322 439 II 224 317 Atlantis [ Titans / Kabiri / Cyclops ] [4th Round, 4th Globe, 4th "Race"] 1,050,000 Beginning of the 5th "Aryan" "Race" SD II 141 144 435 Vedas SD I 269-71 II 483-4 450 606 616 T M 5-67 Glos 361 IS I 444 THY 2-468 Theos't I-247 COL I TOP. WQJ ART II 82-3 Theos't 9-428 1,050,000 BC Vedanta SD I 7 50-1 269 451 Glos 361 253 (Uttara Mimansa - Vyasa) Theos't I-201 287 9-411 Lucif 6-119 Advaita (non-dualistic) SD I 8 55 522 II 637 GLOS 7 (Shankaracharya - founder) ML 53-4 Theos't 10-7 Glos 307 Dwaita (dualistic) Manu Smriti (Code of Manu - Krita Yuga) IS I 585-6 1,000,000 Aryan Race began SD II 395 Thy. Mag. 45, p. 219 Brahmin invasion of N. India IS II 156fn 169 158 IS II 323 192 SD I 209 II 565 Glos 222 Persians, Turanians, Goths, Slavs IS. I 569 IS II 426-433 c. 1,000,000 - 500,000 B C 998,100 Cataclysms: Atlantis begins sinking SD II 141 Is I 557 593 SD II 10 144 Glos 42-3 869,000 Dwapara Yuga Commencement (since 1888) SD II 147 ( our present Kali-Yuga began 3,102 BC ) 850,000 Since submergence of last large peninsula of the Great Atlantis SD II 10 850,000 Glacial Period est. by Stockwell & Croll SD II 141 144 800,000 Angkor Wat built (2nd most Occult Edifice) Glos 223 IS I 239 561-8 271-2 500,000 - 250,000 B C 470,000 Babylon's astronomical observations go back to this Nebo or Birs Nimrud, CWB 13-274 IS I 533 450,000 Epoch of Ramayana (Brahmin estimate) C & J p. 73 Theos't Vol. 10-35 SD II 496 IS II 278 Glos 275 400,000 Egypt was settled by the Atlanteans and the Eastern AEtheopeans SD II 750 250,000 - 100,000 B C 250,000+ Last Glaciation of Europe Isis I 3 Pyramids were 3 times submerged SD I 313 424 617 GL 223; SD II 462-6 575 435 749-50 351-3 462 351-2 93 276fn 429; GLOS 300 IS I 154 239 296-7 517-21; THY V. 67-p.54 Sphinx (Harmachus) SD II 124 618 Glos 135-6 Is I 573 200,000 Chaldean Astronomical Observations extended back at Alexander's invasion -- Berosus SD I xxvi 200,000 Stockwell & Croll estimate of last Glaciation SD II 144 100,000 - 30,000 B C 78,000+ Denderah Zodiac [Egyptians brought from Lanka--Menes ] SD II 374fn 431-6 456 577 580; IS I 440-1 49,186 Egyptian Records go back to ( Diogenes Laertius ) by 8,863 yrs. in 323 BC IS I 33 34,300 Sumerian Tablet gives 32,234 yrs between Deluge and last king of Isin c.200 BC Thy 16, p.195 30,000 - 10,000 B C 29,217 Alpha Polaris (Dhruva) (as Pole Star) (in 1888) 31,105 yrs ago Glos. 17 15,194 Zodiac (latest) Originated -- 1st degree of Aries 15,086 Vernal Equinox and 1st degree of Libra coincided ( 16,984 yrs ago in 1888 ) SD I 658 12,300 Vyasa - Uttara Mimansa & Vedanta taught Isis II 621 "Bhadarayana" SD I 50 269 451 Glos 361 11,100 Vega (Alpha Lyrae) was Pole Star Thy 17-18 10,000 - 6,000 B C 9,566 Deluge of Deucalion. Last Island of Atlantis ML p. 155 submerged. Last war between the "Sons of God" of the "White Island" and the last Atlantean sorcerers IS I 589-594 5 Yrs Thy p. 99 SD II 406 444fn 9,500 Atlantis - Last Island sank Timaeus"- Plato as narrated by Priests of Sais to Solon TM 46-469 8,000 Hindu Initiates had same Secret Philosophy then as now (estimate) SD II 406 IS II 535 8,000 Tchandalas begin to emigrate from India to Chaldea SD II 200 Glos 323 165 IS I 135 551-2 578 Isis II 438-9 SD I 313fn 7,975 End of the last Sidereal Year Ocean 129 SD I 649-50 (9,975 BC) SD II 314 331 432 470 6,500 c Zarathustra (6,000 yrs. before Plato c 400 BC) Glos 384-5; IS I 19 II 141; SD I 464, II 323 Theos't I-13; Thy 14-97 ["Zoroaster" (Guru-astera) is a Title for a chain of 24 Zoroasters. The last was a contemporary of Gautama Buddha. c. 600 BC ] 6,000 - 4,000 B C 6,000--5,000 Trojan War nearer 6,000 BC S D II 437fn Thy 27-103 IS I 520 598 Glos 96 (Dardanus) SD II 101 236 440 5,100 Neith (1st Dynasty) Lucif 2-465 SD I 399; Glos 77 227 234 4,100 c Manu-Vina (Menes) to Masra (Cairo) IS I 627 516 SD II 335 374 431-2 436 746; Thy 15, 317 4,000 - 3,000 B C 3750 Sargon I reigned (Prof. A.H.Sayce) SD II 691 3,700 Local Deluge in Middle East S D II 691 3,200 c Date assigned to last Veda Vyasa by the Brahmins. [Vyasa is a title.] Glos 362 3,102 Kali Yuga (ours) began Feb. 16, AM: 2 Hrs, 27 Min, 30 Sec. [the only precise time given in the SD ] SD I 662 SD II 147 fn 3,102 Krishna's death (18 Feb. 3,102 BC) Glos 170 387 [ midnight 17/18 ] Thy. I-p. 374; IV-p. 37 3,102 Hindu Zodiac Begins at Sunrise Feb 18th 3,102 BC SD I 662 ( origin of present Hindu era: "Vikram Samvat" and Zodiac, Tiravalour, So.India ) 3,100 c Vikramaditya rules at Ujjain ("Vikram Samvat") SD I 662 [ begins at Sunrise, February 18th 3,102 B C ] 3,100 c Fu - H'si ( Krishna of China ) Thy 14- 308 Po - H'si ( 1st Ruler of China) Thy 14- 1 3,100 c Arjuna to Patala ( marries Ulupi ) SD II 214fn [ Orphean Mysteries ] Glos 29 ("Patala" = Mexico ) Thy 15, 546 IS II 561fn 3,100 c Orpheus identified with Arjuna Thy 27, 148 Glos 242 On travel to Patala, stops in Greece HPB ART III 138 IS I 532 II 129 550 SD I 207 267fn 529 784 Lucif 16-273 Theos't 5-20 Col 2 Bot, "Mysteries of Orpheus" established. 3,000 - 2,000 B C 3,000 c Gilgamesh epic "Flood" of Jewish Bible Thy 16, 307 2,875 c Akkadians (Semites) Sumer Sargon IS I 576-78 2,800 c Yi-King (Chinese Kabala Akkadians) Thy 25-444 2,700 Hwang-Ti 3rd after Po-H'si Thy 15-19 Thy 14-310 Babylon & Assyria Glos 47 37 IS I 567 ML 152; THY 16-194 307 2,253 Chaldean Astronomical Observations for past 1903 years Calliosthenes to Aristotle (c 350 BC) IS I 21 Kasidim Glos 75 81 39 196 IS I xxviii 534 459 567 HPB Art III 134 ML 152 CWB 5-13 326-8 SD II 620 2,200 c Shu-King and Shi-King (China) Thy 14-310 IS I 11 Hammurabi (Code) Babylon Thy 16-196 2,000 c Sumeria old texts interlinear Semitic Thy 16-194 translations Thy 21-414 2,000 - 1,000 B C 1,925 c Hittites capture Babylon IS I 567-8 1,850 c Chung-Ki (China ) Thy 14-34 1,700 c Knossos (Crete) at its height IS I 264 545 [ c 3,000 BC - 1,400 BC ] 1,628 Thera (Santorini) Volcano Erupts (Tree Ring Dating) [ L A Times, Aug 29 1996 ] [ End of Minoan Civilization, tidal waves overwhelm coasts of Eastern Mediterranean.] 1,600 c Hyksos ( Semites ) overran Egypt IS I 569-70 1,500 c Arameans over-ran Mesopotamia IS I 579 Phoenicians ( Semites ) IS I 569 567 572 545 1,573 Moses born SD II 539 691 MOD PAN 45 HPB III 244; IS I 3 555; SD I 320fn 385 II 428 456 465 691 IS II 129 I 25 1,447 Aries in its 15th degree SD II 436 fn SD I 658 1,400 c Achaeans to Crete destruction of Knossos dynasty (Thera-Santorini volcano explodes ? ) 1,350 c Tutankhamen XVIII Dynasty (son-in-law of Ikhnaton) Aton replaced Amon-Ra -- Thebes-capital of Egypt 1,225 c Rameses II ( restored Karnak & many monuments ) Greeks: Aeolians Ionians Dorians Achaeans Scythians from central Asia begin invading Russia Khazaks (in 8th Cent. identified with Jews & Semites ) 1,250 Sanchoniathon compiled religious writings SD II 440fn; IS I 234 341-2 577-8 II 260 275 SD II 129 440 Glos 289 1,000-900 B C 1,000 c Aztecs to Central America S D II 445 Thy 16, 70-1 974-937 Solomon IS I 135 II 391 ML 345 SD II 591 M Pan 45-6 970-936 Hiram I at Tyre ( Phoenician Jews ) IS I 19 135 566-8 945 Conjunction of all the Planets except Saturn SD II 63 [Note: great conjunction in 1957, 1965-7 & Sun Eclipse] 900 c Inca Kings Thy 16-25 Glos 154 HPB Art III 428 Note: List is closed here. The full list continues up to the present. ========================= SNIP ======================= From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 19:21:17 -0400 (EDT) From: "W. Dallas TenBroeck" Subject: SD: Proem, Introductory, Study STUDY OF THE SECRET DOCTRINE ____________ SOME SUGGESTIONS: In reading the Proem and the Introductory to the Secret Doctrine one begins to realize how formidable such a study appears on first contact. Many have felt daunted. But there is no cause for this as it can be done and those who have been working at it can show us that there are a few easy steps that all can take to make this easier. We are doing an important thing in approaching "The Text-book of the Twentieth Century." Let us first gather together some of the most important points that Theosophy asks us to consider: UNITY OF ALL IN ALL 1. Our Universe is a unity of units: Universal Brotherhood. Each Human is the center of his own universe, and this includes every other being. There is only One UNIVERSAL SPIRIT. Everything is a part of it, and lives in it. 2. All, from Star to Human to Atom, bathe in the same potentials, and share in each other on the level of the atomic and electro-magnetic the same "matter;" but each expresses these in their own individual way. Objectives and Goals 3. All individual paths of life tend to converge on a common "Goal." It is the faculty of Wisdom that is sought. But for each this "goal" is individual, and inescapably, each decides on their own way and method. Yet in spite of diversity there is always cooperation with all the rest. 4. For this reason all events that involve many individuals, show analogies in form and in circumstance. From these are framed the cycles of ebbs and surges of civilization. The greatest as well as the smallest cycles arise from the universal Cycles of activity in Manifestation, and repose in Non-manifestation. Everything is periodic. Every being on its awakening "returns" to the place where it left off its active life and work. Nothing is ever destroyed. Karma - a Law of Harmony and Justice 5. The Universe is observed to operate with perfect economy under uniform laws of cause/effect. The balance of these is a continuous harmony. Science recognizes and records laws in all departments. Nature contains everything and provides for everything. Scientists study the working of Nature. Every plan depends on the working of just and uniform laws. Chance does not exist. 6. Karma expresses the balancing of all causes to their effects in Nature, this operates uniformly and continuously. Mankind, (and every individual in it) and, because of their independent Mind, and the power of independent choice, carve their own "path of living." Among men, Law is termed ethics, and, our secret motive rules all karmic effects. Human Goals 7. Because of their individuality [the conscious Mind-Soul], humans reincarnate, each in pursuit of their own set goal. This dynamic harmony of units offers to those who can read the Akasic records, an accurate knowledge of any and all aspects of the history of mankind in the past, and from this the future of individuals and civilizations can be deduced. No human being can ever be totally annihilated even though the body may be killed. No one is totally isolated from others. Selfishness is an impossible, an illogical concept. 8. When Wisdom is acquired, it includes an understanding of this essential unity, and requires a voluntary dedication of one's life to the service to others; and of absolute personal harmlessness. Karma is the law of moral balance - and that is cooperation. THE THREE FUNDAMENTALS 9. Three Fundamental Ideas form the base of Nature's Theosophy Theos-deity, Sophia-wisdom ] : 1. Deity is Universal Spirit. All beings share equally in it. None can be "destroyed." 2. Law operates everywhere and causes manifestation as well as individual reincarnation. The components of all beings replace themselves cyclically, and, universality is a fact. 3. Progression in consciousness, and awareness is universal. Many stages are recognized. The individual being [ Monad, or "Life-atom" ] is indestructible. The Goal of experience [evolution] is Wisdom -- Knowledge of all aspects of the Universe. This process demands a study of one's own Self. 10. Life indestructible ever progresses towards Wisdom. ====================== WHAT DOES THE SECRET DOCTRINE TEACH ? _________ 1. It is a study of universal Nature, and of one's self. 2. It studies the relations between these two. It views every action from the view-point of motive, and therefore regards the moral basis of every word or act as most significant. Karma, as effect, arises from this alone. It advocates the close supervision of the emotional and desire faculty. [SD II 79-80] 3. It seeks verification of evidence advanced by the work and perceptions of, not only one's self, but by others. It constantly asks the questions: Why, When, How, Were and to Whom? It demands answers based only on truth and fact, and treats all opinions with caution. It teaches us to THINK. 4. It is the recorded history of such observations--in all departments of Nature. It is the basis of all sciences, philosophies and religions. No one can lay claim to "originality," since Nature already contains all. [SD I 267] 5. Verification demands that all observations, or theories be carefully cross-checked by many others. Every living being is engaged in this universal process. [SD I 272-3] Each being, beginning with the atom in which resides a basic consciousness, retains a permanent record of all its experiences. This is called knowledge or Wisdom. VISIBLE AND INVISIBLY NATURE. 6. Universal Nature, is composed of the visible and the invisible aspects of life. Underlying the material physical is the psychic-astral, and underlying that the "desire-nature." Superior to the desire-nature is the Mind. Behind the Mind is Discrimination-Wisdom. Finally, the Real Man-the Higher Self-Monad -- exists, and it is a "ray" of the One SPIRIT--the Undeniable ROOT of ALL. 7. The realm of force, power and energy underlies all forms. What are these? How can we discover them in us and elsewhere? 8. Cycles and laws unify the diversities seen in nature and reconcile all levels of awareness/consciousness. CONSCIOUSNESS and the MONAD 9. A single Consciousness underlies each being, whether this be called an "atom," a "human," a "planet," or a Star. It operates in every level of perception (or consciousness) and records, as memory, all experiences. 10. Man's "Spirit" is one with the "Universal Spirit." Every being in the whole Universe is a MONAD. It is a point of CONSCIOUSNESS. It is the junction of Spirit and Matter as a "ray" of that ONE SOURCE in manifestation. With it is associated the MIND. This , because it is independent of both, is able to observe their interaction at all points, as Intelligence gradually develops over a vast period of time. THEOSOPHICAL GROUPS, SOCIETIES, etc... 10. Students of Theosophy group together for mutual study. Down the years many designations were adopted to name them. Their conjoint study is signalized by and through the common objectives defined here, regardless of the nomenclature they devised for recording or for communication. In past eras, they were called Elder Brothers, Adepts, Prophets, Philosophers, Gnostics, Mystagogues, Platonists, Masons, Initiates, Masters of Wisdom, Builders, Astrologers, Alchemists, Rosicrucians, Brothers of Light and Fire, Fire Philosophers, Kabalists, Pythagoreans, Neo-Platonists, Analogeticists, Cathars, Sufis, Hermeticists, Transcendentalists, Healers, Theurgists, Theosophers, Yogis...all these are some of the designations that have been used in the past and also in the present. ========================== PROGRAM FOR STUDYING THE SECRET DOCTRINE ________________ Some additional suggestions of a practical nature may be offered based on experience of many students. We have mentioned that prior to the actual page by page study, certain basic concepts and ideas ought to be made to reside in the memory of all who approach the Secret Doctrine. The most important are accessed by a preliminary reading of these few pages : SD Vol. 1 Preface, . . . vii - viii Introductory . . xvii - xlvii Proem . . . 1 - 24 The actual Stanzas: . Vol. I 26 - 34 Summing up . . 269 - 299 Cyclic Evolution & Karma 634 - 647 SD Vol. 2 Preliminary Notes . 1 - 12 The actual Stanzas: . Vol. 2 14 - 21 Reincarnation . . 302 - 306 Conclusion . . 437 - 446 Conclusion Vol. 2 . 794 - 798 It can be noted that ISIS UNVEILED preceded the SECRET DOCTRINE by about 11 years. It serves as an excellent introduction to the themes that are more deeply developed in the SECRET DOCTRINE, and therefor it ought to be read first. ISIS UNVEILED -- 1877 In 1877, "Isis Unveiled" was published. It serves as a compendium of evidence showing how the psychic and the spiritual nature underlies and rules the physical. In addition to that ISIS draws attention to literary evidence relating to philosophical and spiritual events that antiquity as well as modernity have recorded. It offers a few basic concepts, to serve as a basis, prior to the actual study of the "Secret Doctrine." These are assembled in "The Ocean of Theosophy," and "The Key to Theosophy." They will also be found in the "Bhagavad Gita," and "The Voice of the Silence," in the "Dhammapada," and in "Patanjali's Yoga Sutras," as well as in other writings. It should always be born in mind that ours is an infinitely sensitive Universe. Every being in it is indestructible in essence. All evolution tends to develop an individualized mind in Mankind. Evolution is continuous and an eternal process. The Universe is ruled by just and impersonal Laws which are immutable, educative and protective to all in their ultimate fairness and total accuracy. SECRET DOCTRINE - 1888. In 1888 "The Secret Doctrine" was issued. It records information inclusive of that in Isis Unveiled, and subsequent information elicited, and printed in article form in the early Theosophical magazines: The "Theosophist," "Path," and "Lucifer." It exposes the moral Universe which is always interior to the physical one. The "Stanzas of the Book of Dzyan" (Wisdom) form the basis for both "The Secret Doctrine," and "The Voice of the Silence," hence both books should be studied together, as they supplement each-other. "The Voice of the Silence" points to the path of discipline that has to be adopted by those who choose to become spiritual. The "Transactions of the Blavatsky Lodge" is a book that should be consulted for explanations made by HPB to her pupils who assembled - the first 200 pages of Vol. 1 of the SD are considered. "Studies in the Secret Doctrine," by B. P. Wadia is a book that brings together valuable articles originally printed in "Theosophy," and "The Theosophical Movement" magazines. A small pamphlet "Some Observations on the Study of the Secret Doctrine" by P. G. Bowen ought also be read. It includes some suggestions by HPB on the study of the SD. The most ancient record of the statements, facts, and observations that form the body of "The Secret Doctrine" are in existence, fragmentarily, in ancient Indian literature. To assist students who are unfamiliar with Sanskrit, Tibetan, Pali, and other ancient languages, it is advisable to employ "The Theosophical Glossary" by HPB, as ancient terms of philosophy are frequently used technically in the book. English does not easily convey the refinements which those ancient terms give. The acquiring of a vocabulary will make easier the transfer of ideas, and if one studies ancient texts, they will help in understanding them. Preliminary to each class it would be well if each student reads in advance several pages of what will be considered, so that familiarity will make study easier. It would be a good idea to keep a note book available for references that are made in the course of study. An excellent "Index" to the SD is available. The student will find that it makes his base of understanding easier, as all important subjects are referenced. "Isis Unveiled" and an Index are also available for correlative study. ========================= It may be a good idea to read about 3 to 5 pages each meeting, but not be restricted to a fixed format, since, probably, time will be spent in amplifying many of the statements made. All advance research will be much appreciated. If questions can be brought to the study period it is of great value to all. The Theosophical Glossary and the SD Index are most useful for additional information, reference and to amplify statements to be read. It is most important to understand that each student is making his own approach to the subject-matter of the S D. No one is an "authority;" but the consideration of the study made, and the ideas advanced by others will be found most helpful to all. "Windows of opportunity" may thus be opened each for the rest. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANALOGY A Universal Law that operates in Nature and Man is called "correspondence and analogy." This is because both Man and Nature are 7-fold: Broadly expressed, these are : Spirit - Wisdom - Mind - Desire - Vitality - Astral Body - Physical Body. MANKIND IS THE KEY FACTOR IN ALL EVOLUTION Mankind represents, as a whole the arena for the interaction of two of the greatest forces that ever propel forward all evolution: Mind and Kama, (desire) engaged in free decision making. [SD II 79-80, 167, 254-5, 272-3] "That which propels towards, and forces evolution, i.e., compels the growth and development of Man towards perfection, is (a) the Monad, or that which acts in it unconsciously through a force inherent in itself; and b) the lower astral body or the personal Self. The former, whether imprisoned in a vegetable or an animal body, is endowed with, is indeed itself, that force. Owing to its identity with the all-force, which, as said, is inherent in the Monad, it is all-potent on the Arupa, or formless plane...the rays of the Sun, which contribute to the growth of vegetation, do not select this or that plant to shine upon...So with the Atman: unless the higher Self or ego gravitates towards its Sun--the Monad--the lower Ego, or personal Self, will have the upper hand in every case. For it is this Ego, with its fierce Selfishness and animal desire to live a Senseless life (Tanha), which is "the maker of the tabernacle," as Buddha calls it in the Dhammapada..." (SD II 109-110) [see also SD I 174-5fn, 619, 631-3] THE ANCIENT SOURCE == THE PERENNIAL PHILOSOPHY "The Secret Doctrine is the accumulated Wisdom of the Ages, and its cosmogony alone is the most stupendous and elaborate sys-tem...But such is the mysterious power of Occult symbolism, that the facts which have actually occupied countless generations of initiated seers and prophets to marshal, to set down and explain, in the bewildering series of evolutionary progress, are all recorded on a few pages of geometrical signs and glyphs. The flashing gaze of those seers has penetrated into the very kernel of matter, and recorded the soul of things there...the system in question is no fancy of one or several isolated individuals...it is the uninterrupted record covering thousands of generations of Seers whose respective experiences were made to test and to verify the traditions passed orally by one early race to another, of the teachings of higher and exalted beings, who watched over the childhood of Humanity...the Wise Men of the Fifth Race...saved and rescued from the last cataclysm and shifting of continents, had passed their lives in learning, not teaching...by checking, testing, and verifying in every department of nature the traditions of old by the independent visions of great adepts; i.e., men who have developed and perfected their physical, mental, psychic, and spiritual organizations to the utmost possible degree. No vision of one adept was accepted till it was checked and confirmed by the visions--so obtained as to stand as independent evidence--of other adepts, and by centuries of experience." [SD I 272-273] ===================================== SD 1 - Questions on the Introductory -- for use in Study Class 1. Is the "Secret Doctrine" the same as the book: "The Secret Doctrine ?" 2. What is offered in the book ? 3. What has the author (writer) done ? 4. What is the aim of the book ? 5. Have you looked at the "Table of Contents ?" What appeals to you ? What do you not know about ? 6. Have you read ahead of the class ? Are you using the Glossary and the Index to discover extensions to matter referred to in the pages we have read ( "Preface", "Introductory" ) ? 7. Will you, bring questions and observations ? 8. What is "authority ?" Where is it found ? 9. Is any of the wisdom of the "Secret Doctrine" restricted ? 10. What are the most ancient sources from which information can be gathered ? 11. What would "revelation" mean ? Where does it come from ? Has any one or any group sole rights to it ? 12. What is the relation between the "Secret Doctrine" and "Occultism ?" 13. Does the possession of wisdom require a religion ?" 14. How are "Mysticism" and "Occultism" related ? 15. How are the findings of "occultism," "mysticism," and the "secret Doctrine" represented [ is there a special "language" in which they are conveyed ? 16. Why is knowledge about the tenets and basic ideas found in the "Secret Doctrine" so vague, so confused ? Can this be discovered and codified, so as to be rational ? 17. What is the value of "testimony ?" =========================== Offered by: Dallas dalval@nwc.net From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Mon, 30 Aug 1999 07:14:17 -0500 From: M K Ramadoss Subject: Re: Theos-World delayed message (about Dora Kuntz) That is wonderful. I am glad that you were able to inform the International President. And now she is able to see first hand the speedy communication we are able to have with Internet. May be we can see proceedings of the summer school and other meetings can be posted on the Internet for everyone to benefit from them. I had the honor of hosting our International President when she visited San Antonio more than 10 years ago and please convey my regards to her if you meet her. thanks. M K Ramadoss At 08:30 AM 08/30/1999 +0200, you wrote: >>>> >Thanks for posting the msg. Once again Internet has proven its value. > >mkr Thanks too. Although I don' t usually have the time to write messages, I still read yours all the time and I am, at present, translating Mrs.Radha Burnier's speeches into Spanish in Sant Feliu de Guixols, a town on the coast near Barcelona, Spain. This is the Spanish Summer School which is always held the last week in August and this year we had the honour of having the International President as the guest speaker. There are about 200 people in the hotel, but as it happens I am the only one to be connected to the outside world and after I saw the message yesterday, I was able to tell Mrs. Burnier about it. She had not heard about it yet. Today there are some problems with the connections and I won't be able to send this away until tomorrow, but I was glad to have the news first hand thanks to the list. So, you are right, mkr, once again Internet has proven its value. :-) Ana Maria Torra. PS. It took, in fact, longer than I expected to send this. Sorry for the delay. <<<<<<<< From ???@??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000 Date: Mon, 30 Aug 1999 07:25:14 -0500 From: M K Ramadoss Subject: Dora Kunz's Passing Martin Leiderman had posted a msg on theos-talk informing the passing away of Dora. The followup msg that was posted from Spain, I thought may interest some and hence I posted it here. mkr