HPB-SB-14-29: Difference between revisions

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{{Style P-Title|NOTES BY THE WAY.}}

<center>'''Contributed by “M.A. (Oxon.)”'''</center>

Respecting the question put to me by “A Subscriber,” I can but say what I have gathered from what has been at various times told me. There is, as I learn, a system of spiritual evolution akin to that known by that name on this earth. Manifestly we do not all arrive here on the same plane of progression, though we cannot remember the events which have trained and developed us. Probably we are the result of various experiments, our characters the outcome of different experiences in different states of existence, I do not say on different planets, but in various environments. As Mr. F. F. Cook pointed out in the course of his late papers, the ''Ego'' may be expressing itself in various ways, gathering up its mite of experience from each phase of life; the finished character is the final outcome of the experiences of the ''Ego'', the Immortal Principle, through a variety of “lives.” I have always understood that it is at incarnation, ''i.e.'', as far as man is concerned, at his birth on this earth, that the Immortal Principle is given. Before a duality, he then becomes a trinity, possessed of a potential immortality, accountable morally, and gifted with opportunities of development which he may use and progress; and which equally he may abuse and retrogress. In the former case he passes to a new and higher experience in a state not dissimilar from that which he leaves when he quits this world. In the latter he passes into an inferior state, becoming what the Occultists call an Elementary. He has, perhaps, led a sensual life and starved his spiritual nature, and his lower psychical principle dominates and drags him down. Such beings gratify tastes which survive only to torment them, by vicarious self-indulgence, and are obsessing Spirits who drive on the weak to crime and sin. They who have not yet reached the plane of incarnation are those who have not yet received the immortal principle and with it conscience and accountability. But these are profound mysteries, and I am a very insufficient expositor of what I do not profess to regard as clearly established and defined in my own mind. There are also various other views not less worthy of attention, and, probably, all are imperfect representations of truth. I may add that the letter of “A.P.S.” in another column contains some most suggestive thoughts which are to the point here.

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{{Style S-Small capitals|Spirit Teachings.}}—''To the Editor of'' “{{Style S-Small capitals|Light.}}”—Sir,—In No. XXX. of those most interesting articles, entitled “Spirit Teachings,” the following passages occur:—“Remember that you may be watching the manifestations of the presence of a being without soul, and so without conscience.” “Either those who have passed through incarnation without progress, or those who have reached, but have not yet attained thoroughly to it. These last are most powerful agents, but they know no distinctions of morality.” I am under the impression, but cannot, unfortunately, find the passage, that in some previous number of these lessons it has been stated that the rôle fulfilled by the earth among planets, was the important one of conferring personality. The above extracts would appear to infer that Spirit evolution is effected under a law entailing migration from planet to planet, and in the course of which migrations certain definite spiritual properties or mind qualities are imparted by each planet to the Spirit. Would “{{Style S-Small capitals|M.A. (Oxon.)}}” kindly consent to enlighten us by a few words of explanation as to “Imperator’s” view of this subject?—Yours, &c., {{Style S-Small capitals|A Subscriber.}}

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{{Style P-Title|NOTES BY THE WAY.}}

<center>'''Contributed by “M.A. (Oxon.)”'''</center>

The August number of the ''Theosophist'' contains the latest attempt on the part of the Occultist authorities to post us up on our chances of Re-Incarnation. What with Mr. F. F. Cook, the authors of the “Perfect Way,” Kardec, the Adept Brothers, and Madame Blavatsky, a “multitude of counsellors” indeed, there ought to be wisdom. As a matter of fact, what there is is not very clear. But I gather that the author of “Isis Unveiled” was at first “not permitted to enter into details”—now “she is told to do so.” She says that “Re-Incarnation, ''i.e.'', the appearance of the same individual, or rather of his astral monad (or the ''personality'', as claimed by the modern Re-Incarnationists) twice on the same planet is not a rule in nature, but an exception.” If it be asked what is this “astral monad,” it is replied that man is a trinity, consisting of spirit, soul, and body. Each member of this trinity is made up of component parts. The body—of the astral body,; the life principle, and the physical body. They die absolutely when the change called death supervenes. The soul is composed of the mind (animal soul) and passion. These together form the astral monad, or personal Ego, and its vehicle. They survive the change called death, and it is these that, under exceptional circumstances, are Re-Incarnated or, usually, are destroyed after a time. These are “shells,” according to the ''Theosophist'', that communicate at circles, maintaining a certain fitful and specious identity for a time until extinction comes. The spirit or individuality is the Spiritual monad, and is eternally indestructible. The man’s future state depends on what he makes himself now, and whether he is Re-Incarnated or becomes a “shell” depends on his present life. At any rate, the man that we know will not be re-born, but his Spiritual monad will re-clothe itself “in various human forms, ''every one of them a new personality'', thousands of times before the end of the great cycle.” That seems to be the latest word of wisdom, or more precisely, the most recent expression of opinion by those who approach the subject from an Oriental point of view.

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{{Style P-Title|STRANGE POWER OF AN ORIENTAL.}}

The following is a translation from a narrative contributed to ''Licht, mehr Licht'', of August 20th:—