| (b) The Evolution of the Petals The
building of the causal body is the result of dual energy, that of the lower self with its
reflex action upon the higher unit, and that of the natural energy of the self as it makes
its direct impress upon the substance of the egoic lotus. It should here be remembered
that, subtle though the material may be, the egoic lotus is as truly substance of a
particular vibration as is the physical body, only (owing to its rarity) physical plane
man regards it practically as non-substantial. It is in fact, as earlier pointed out, the
result of the dual vibration of the fivefold Dhyanis or Gods in conjunction with the
fourfold Quaternary, or the Pitris of the lower vehicles. Through a conscious effort of
the planetary Logoi, these Dhyanis and lower Pitris are brought into a close relationship.
This produces (upon the third subplane of the mental plane) a ninefold vibration or whorl
in the gaseous matter of the plane - for this is the cosmic gaseous subplane - which,
after a certain period of persistence, assumes the form of a nine-petalled lotus. This
lotus is folded over in bud shape upon the central point, or heart of the lotus - that
spark of electric fire which by its action or innate vitality working upon the substance
of the lotus, attracts to itself sufficient of that substance to form three inner petals,
which closely shield the central spark; these are nevertheless of the same substance or
essence as the nine other petals. The student must be careful not to materialize his
concept too much and it might therefore be wise for him to view [818] this manifestation
from other angles and employ other terms to express the same idea. For instance, the body
of the Ego may be viewed in the following four ways:
- As nine
vibrations, emanating from a central point, which, in its pulsation or radiations
produces three major vibrations of great force pursuing a circular activity around the
center; the nine vibrations pursue a diagonal path until they reach the periphery of the
egoic sphere of influence. At this point they swing around, thus forming the well-known
spheroidal form of the causal body.
- As nine
petals of a lotus, radiating from a common center, and hiding within themselves three
central petals, which conceal a central point of fire. The radiations from the tip of each
petal are those which cause the illusion of a spheroidal shape.
- As nine
spokes of a wheel, converging towards a central hub, which is in itself threefold,
and which hides the central energy or dynamo of force - the generator of all the activity.
- As nine
types of energy which produce definite emanations from a threefold unit, again itself
an outgoing from a central unit of force.
For all
purposes, the second definition will be the one of the most use to us in our attempt to
picture the constitution, nature, method of development and true evolution of the Ego,
functioning in the causal body.
In terms of fire, the same truths may be expressed as follows, and this should be
carefully pondered upon by the student of this Treatise:
- Electric fire - Spirit - Will aspect - Jewel in the lotus.
- Solar fire - Consciousness - Love aspect - The nine petals.
- Fire by friction - Substance - Activity aspect - The three permanent atoms. [819]
- In electric
fire, the Monad is represented in its threefold nature, and stands for that type of
manifestation which will be brought to its highest stage of development in the next solar
system.
- In solar
fire, these solar Pitris in their ninefold formation represent and make possible the
unfolding of the consciousness of the Monad through the medium of the Ego in the three
worlds of human evolution.
- In fire
by friction, the lunar Pitris are represented and constitute the lower self, the
personality, or those vehicles by means of which the Ego in turn is to acquire experience
on the lower planes.
Yet these
three are one in manifestation within the egoic auric egg, and the interchange of energy
and vitality proceeds steadily. Spirit uses the Soul, or the Ego, as a vehicle of
enlightenment, and the Ego uses the lower Quaternary as its medium of expression. The
evolution of Spirit can really therefore be divided into three stages:
- First. The stage in which the lunar Pitris function primarily, and prepare the lower
sheaths for occupancy. The lower vibrations control, and "fire by friction" is
that which warms and nourishes to the practical exclusion of all else.
- Second. The stage in which the solar Pitris gradually become predominant, in which the
egoic consciousness is developed. The sheaths are occupied by the Thinker, are gradually
controlled by him, are bent to his will and purpose, and are eventually discarded. The
middle vibrations control and solar fire irradiates; it lights up in due course of
evolution the lower sheaths; it gradually increases its heat, and eventually aids in the
destruction of the forms.
- Third. The stage in which electric fire is revealed, and through the intensity of its
blaze puts out the other fires. The lunar Pitris have fulfiled their work, the solar
Pitris [820] have developed the self-conscious unit, man, and the monad (having utilized
both) discards both, and withdraws into itself, this time plus the gain of material
existence, and plus developed love-wisdom.
In terms of
the old Commentary, the truth is thus stated:
"The Lord of Life Himself sits at the heart and watches. The Lords of solar fire
pursue their task and sacrifice themselves to the lunar Lords of all the lower planes.
They die, but resurrect. They pass without, and come again. Yet the Lord of Life sits
still.
The lunar Lords begin to die; their power begins to wane with each successive cycle.
The solar Lords shine forth in triumph and consign the fourfold ones to fire, - the fire
which burns and dissipates the form.
Many times the work repeats itself; the cycles wax and wane, until the day triumphant
when the solar Lord acclaims himself and knows himself the ruler.
The Lord of Life then turns Himself, and arises in His might. He consumes the solar
Lords, and they perish as did the lunar Lords. He speaks a Word; the fire descends. The
blaze bursts forth. Gone is the lower fire through the flame of solar burning, gone is the
middle fire through the intensity of fire from Heaven.
Naught remaineth save a threefold flame of violet, indigo and yellow. THAT disappears.
Then darkness reigns. Yet the Lord of Life persists, though invisible."
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