Theosophy -- Doctrines; Thought and thinking -- Religious aspects -- Theosophy
_An Intellectual Conception of Cosmic Order._--In Fig. 40 we have the
effect of an attempt to attain an intellectual conception of cosmic
order. The thinker was obviously a Theosophist, and it will be seen
that when he endeavours to think of the action of spirit upon matter he
instinctively follows the same line of symbolism as that depicted in the
well-known seal of the Society. Here we have an upward-pointing
triangle, signifying the threefold aspect of the Spirit, interlaced with
the downward-pointing triangle, which indicates matter with its three
inherent qualities. Usually we represent the upward triangle in white or
gold, and the downward-pointing one in some darker hue such as blue or
black, but it is noteworthy that in this case the thinker is so entirely
occupied with the intellectual endeavour, that no colour but yellow is
exhibited within the form. There is no room as yet for emotions of
devotion, of wonder, or of admiration; the idea which he wishes to
realise fills his mind entirely, to the exclusion of all else. Still the
definiteness of the outline as it stands out against its background of
rays shows that he has achieved a high measure of success.
[Illustration: FIG. 40. AN INTELLECTUAL CONCEPTION OF COSMIC ORDER]
_The Logos as manifested in Man._--We are now coming to a series of
thoughts which are among the very highest the human mind can form, when
in meditation upon the divine source of its being. When the man in
reverent contemplation tries to raise his thought towards the LOGOS of
our solar system, he naturally makes no attempt to image to himself that
august Being; nor does he think of Him as in any way possessing such
form as we can comprehend. Nevertheless such thoughts build forms for
themselves in the matter of the mental plane; and it will be of interest
for us to examine those forms. In our illustration in Fig. 41 we have a
thought of the LOGOS as manifested in man, with the devotional
aspiration that He may thus be manifested through the thinker. It is
this devotional feeling which gives the pale blue tinge to the
five-pointed star, and its shape is significant, since it has been
employed for many ages as a symbol of God manifest in man. The thinker
may perhaps have been a Freemason, and his knowledge of the symbolism
employed by that body may have had its share in the shaping of the star.
It will be seen that the star is surrounded by bright yellow rays
shining out amidst a cloud of glory, which denotes not only the
reverential understanding of the surpassing glory of the Deity, but also
a distinct intellectual effort in addition to the outpouring of
devotion.
[Illustration: FIG. 41. THE LOGOS AS MANIFESTED IN MAN]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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