The Secret Doctrine, Vol. 1 of 4: The Synthesis of Science, Religion, and PhilosophyBlavatsky, H. P. (Helena Petrovna)
Religion
The Secret Doctrine, Vol. 1 of 4: The Synthesis of Science, Religion, and Philosophy
Blavatsky, H. P. (Helena Petrovna)
Theosophy
(_a_) The seemingly paradoxical use of the term, “Seventh Eternity,” thus
dividing the indivisible, is sanctified in Esoteric Philosophy. The latter
divides boundless Duration into unconditionally eternal and universal Time
(Kâla); and conditioned Time (Khandakâla). One is the abstraction or
noumenon of infinite Time, the other its phenomenon appearing
periodically, as the effect of Mahat—the Universal Intelligence, limited
by manvantaric duration. With some schools, Mahat is the first‐born of
Pradhâna (undifferentiated Substance, or the periodical aspect of
Mûlaprakriti, the Root of Nature), which (Pradhâna) is called Mâyâ,
Illusion. In this respect, I believe, Esoteric teaching differs from the
Vedântin doctrines of both the Advaita and the Visishthadvaita schools.
For it says that, while Mûlaprakriti, the noumenon, is self‐existing and
without any origin—is, in short, parentless, Anupâdaka, as one with
Brahman—Prakriti, its phenomenon, is periodical and no better than a
phantasm of the former; so Mahat, the first‐born of Jñâna (or Gnôsis),
Knowledge, Wisdom or the Logos—is a phantasm reflected from the Absolute
Nirguna (Parabrahman), the One Reality, “devoid of attributes and
qualities”; while with some Vedântins Mahat is a manifestation of
Prakriti, or Matter.
(_b_) Therefore, the “last Vibration of the Seventh Eternity” was “fore‐
ordained”—by no God in particular, but occurred in virtue of the eternal
and changeless Law which causes the great periods of Activity and Rest,
called so graphically, and at the same time so poetically, the Days and
Nights of Brahmâ. The expansion “from within without” of the Mother,
called elsewhere the “Waters of Space,” “Universal Matrix,” etc., does not
allude to an expansion from a small centre or focus, but means the
development of limitless subjectivity into as limitless objectivity,
without reference to size or limitation or area. “_The ever [to us]
invisible and immaterial Substance present in eternity, threw its
periodical Shadow from its own plane into the Lap of Mâyâ._” It implies
that this expansion, not being an increase in size—for infinite extension
admits of no enlargement—was a change of condition. It expanded “like the
Bud of the Lotus”; for the Lotus plant exists not only as a miniature
embryo in its seed (a physical characteristic), but its prototype is
present in an ideal form in the Astral Light from “Dawn” to “Night” during
the manvantaric period, like everything else, as a matter of fact, in this
objective Universe; from man to mite, from giant trees to the tiniest
blades of grass.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account