The Theosophical Path Illustrated Monthly Volume 1, July-December, 1911
Religion
The Theosophical Path Illustrated Monthly Volume 1, July-December, 1911
Theosophy -- Periodicals
THE PATH is the way by which the human soul must pass in its evolution
to full spiritual self-consciousness. The supreme condition is
suggested in this work by the great figure whose head in the upper
triangle is lost in the glory of the Sun above, and whose feet are
in the lower triangle in the waters of Space, symbolizing Spirit and
Matter. His wings fill the middle region representing the motion or
pulsation of cosmic life, while within the octagon are displayed the
various planes of consciousness through which humanity must rise to
attain to perfect Manhood.
At the top is a winged Isis, the Mother or Oversoul, whose wings veil
the face of the Supreme from those below. There is a circle dimly seen
of celestial figures who hail with joy the triumph of a new initiate,
one who has reached to the heart of the Supreme. From that point he
looks back with compassion upon all who still are wandering below and
turns to go down again to their help as a Savior of Men. Below him
is the red wing of the guardians who strike down those who have not
the "password," symbolized by the white flame floating over the head
of the purified aspirant. Two children, representing purity, pass
up unchallenged. In the center of the picture is a warrior who has
slain the dragon of illusion, the dragon of the lower self, and is
now prepared to cross the gulf by using the body of the dragon as his
bridge (for we rise on steps made of conquered weaknesses, the slain
dragon of the lower nature).
On one side two women climb, one helped by the other whose robe is
white and whose flame burns bright as she helps her weaker sister. Near
them a man climbs from the darkness; he has money bags hung at his belt
but no flame above his head and already the spear of a guardian of the
fire is poised above him ready to strike the unworthy in his hour of
triumph. Not far off is a bard whose flame is veiled by a red cloud
(passion) and who lies prone, struck down by a guardian's spear; but
as he lies dying, a ray from the heart of the Supreme reaches him as a
promise of future triumph in a later life.
On the other side is a student of magic, following the light from a
crown (ambition) held aloft by a floating figure who has led him to the
edge of the precipice over which for him there is no bridge; he holds
his book of ritual and thinks the light of the dazzling crown comes
from the Supreme, but the chasm awaits its victim. By his side his
faithful follower falls unnoticed by him, but a ray from the heart of
the Supreme falls upon her also, the reward of selfless devotion, even
in a bad cause.
Lower still in the underworld, a child stands beneath the wings of
the foster mother (material Nature) and receives the equipment of the
Knight, symbols of the powers of the Soul, the sword of power, the
spear of will, the helmet of knowledge and the coat of mail, the links
of which are made of past experiences.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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