Theos-Talk Archives (June 1996 Message tl00354)

Jerry S>Swabhava is itself a material concept, and it would be
difficult to have a "too materialized version" of it.

Martin comments: if we view swabhava as operating on all planes of
existence, then their would be a spiritual swabhava too.
I know that HPB and GdP have briefly mentioned the several hierarchies
of 'colour', having to do with humans and cosmos, a mysterious subject matter
which was not exposed further,
although GdP mentioned his intention to do so (in his esoteric teachings).
So, I personally think that there's a lot more to it than appears at surface
value.


 Jerry S> The way I see
it, swabhava is an important principle along the Arc of Descent,
but is an interferring obstacle along the Arc of Ascent.  I can
only wonder why G de P didn't think of that, except that he uses
it to reinforce his idea about gaining self-consciousness
at the end of this manvantara.  While it is true that we gain
self-consciousness, its also true that this is the resultant of
every manvantara, and that the whole "divine breath" is a
circle, not a spiral.

Martin comments: if it is a circle, then what about progressive evolution,
a key concept in theosophy?


Jerry S>Swabhava guides the skandhas.  It gives them a
sense of direction, so that our skandhas gradually shape
us (i.e., our lower selves)  into self-consciousness.  The
problem with self-consciousness is that it separates us
from everyone and everything else.  The original dualistic
split between subject and object, or Self and Not-Self, is
the impetus that started our manvantara in the first place.
So, I see self-consciousness as the hallmark of the
first 3 1/2 Rounds.  Self-consciousness is the pivotal
point at the lowest end of the manvantaric spectrum of
consciousness.  The second half of a manvantara is
involved with re-uniting Self and Not-Self again.

MArtin comments: that's more or less how I see it.


Jerry S>This exact sequence of events is also seen
in miniature during our lifetime.  We are born in a neonatal
condition of samadhi, with no concept of Self or Not-Self.
Then a sense of self develops, followed by definition,
which results in a separate personality.  Then we tread
the spiritual Path, at the end of which, Self is once again
united with Not-Self, and we once again enter samadhi.
As an Adept, we become as a little child, as Jesus puts it,
and thus the circle is completed.

Martin comments> But most of us (all?) need several lifetimes to
complete this circle. Every next life we get closer to this unity
of Self with Not-Self (if we tread the spiritual path).
So, don't we see a spiral here instead of a circle?

Martin E
member TI