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The Planes and the Human Constitution - Pablo Sender
The Planes and the Human Constitution - Pablo Sender
Download Handouts
Handout A Ch 4 Study Guide (John Algeo)
Handout B Ch 14 Ancient Wisdom Modern Insight by Shirley Nicholson
It is recommended that participants be encouraged to read Chapter Four of John Algeo’s Theosophy: An Introductory Study Course before the class if possible. These concepts are not necessarily simple, nor will they be absorbed completely at first exposure. Thus it is also recommended that the class read through John Algeo’s Chapter 4 of the study guide aloud.
According to Theosophy, human beings are mirrors of the universe. Neither animals nor angels have in their natures all the potencies and aspects found in the Cosmos---spiritual, psychic and physical. Thus, in humans we find a reflection of every element, state, energy, or power that is present in the universe. This is the reason why the oracle of Delphi proclaimed that by knowing oneself one can know the universe. Also, by knowing the universe one can know oneself. The Theosophical literature is wealthy in explanations about the origin, constitution, working, and evolution of the universe, not out of intellectual curiosity, but because its serious study brings insights into the hidden nature of human beings and the unfolding of the universe. Theosophy postulates that both the universe and the human have a sevenfold nature. The three higher aspects belong to the eternal and spiritual, the four lower to the temporary and material. The Cosmos is the expression of an ultimate Reality, an Absolute principle which is called Parabrahman. This ultimate Reality finds its expression in humans in Atman; our seventh Principle which is beyond our mind. Out of this Absolute Reality appears a creative Logos, also called the Universal Mind or Divine Thought, which builds the Cosmos. The human mind, being the personal reflection of the Universal one, also shapes its own world through cultural and technological development. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Human beings are able to create as well as to destroy worlds. Divine powers of Wisdom, Love, and Compassion are also part of our spiritual nature, and they need to be awakened so that the evolutionary aim for our system can be fulfilled. All of us are aware of our four-fold personal nature, which includes body, vitality, emotions, and the lower, or personal, mind. Most of us, however, are not very aware of our three-fold spiritual nature, which consists of the real Self, the spiritual intuition, and the higher, or spiritual, mind. The theosophical life aims at unfolding our spiritual nature so that we can realize our real Self, which is the One Self of the Universe.
Discussion questions (From John Algeo’s Study Guide)
1. What is the relationship of your body to yourself?
2. What is the purpose for having material forms?
3. What is the difference between the three perishable bodies and the fourth or permanent body?
4. Briefly describe the emotional and mental bodies.
5. What is the etheric double? What is its function? Why is it said not to be a true body?
6. What is the name given in Theosophy to the permanent body? Why is it so called?
7. Explain the significance of color in thought and feeling, and indicate the meanings of some of the colors. How are such color meanings reflected in our ordinary use of language? For example, what is a “black mood?”
8. What kind of experience is worked into the causal body?
9. Explain why the bodies lead the consciousness to habitual thoughts, desires, and actions.
10. What should be our attitude toward our bodies?
Proposed activities
1- Each person in the group may take one of the following sections from the short explication by Shirley Nicholson on “The Self and Its Spheres” (Handout_C). Larger groups might have people work in teams, smaller groups might want to assign teams to each short section.
A) Atman, the deepest Self
B) The Physical-Emotional–Mental Self
C) Mind, The Pivot
D) Intuitive Insight
E) The Spiritual Will
F) The Whole Self
2- Each person may read through his/her assigned section thoroughly and then rephrase the ideas in his/her own words. Emphasize that no one is expected to master his assigned concept, far from it, but that it can be very helpful for the group to put some of these basic ideas into their own words.
3- Going in order from A-F, each person may share the summary of his assigned section/concept written in his/her own words. After each person reads his/her summary, the group should, as a whole, discuss the idea briefly, clarifying certain points and ensuring a basic understanding.
4- The first sentence of John Algeo’s chapter 4 from the study guide reads, "Our own inner nature, which is that of all human beings, is something we need to understand if we are serious about brotherhood."
How does knowledge of our own inner nature enhance our ability to contribute to and understand Brotherhood?
Related resources
Algeo, John, Unlocking the Door : Studies in The Key to Theosophy : H.P. Blavatsky's Introduction to Theosophy and The Theosophical Society, T AL34 UD
Bendit, Laurence John, The Etheric Body of Man : The Bridge of Consciousness, T B433 EBM
Besant, Annie Wood, Man and his Bodies, T T343.2 TM NO.7
Blavatsky, H. P.,The Key to Theosophy : An Abridgement, T B614 KT MIL 1992
Christie, Catherine W.,Theosophy for Beginners: And for the Use of Lotus Circles, T C461 TB
Kunz, Dora, The Personal Aura, T K964 PA
Layton, Eunice S., Life, Your Great Adventure : A Theosophical View: Formerly Titled, Theosophy, Key to Understanding, T 298 LAY LGA
Leadbeater, C. W. , Man Visible and Invisible : Examples of Different Types of Men as Seen by Means of Trained Clairvoyance, T L469 MVI
Taimni, I. K., Man, God, and the Universe, T T136 MGU
Algeo, John, Studies in The Key to Theosophy [sound recording], AR 4728-6
Hannon, Ralph, Studies in the Key to Theosophy [videorecording], VR 0850 PT.3
Kunz, Dora, The Role of the Physical, Mental, and Emotional Bodies in Healing [videorecording], VR 0991
Download Handouts
Handout A Ch 4 Study Guide (John Algeo)
Handout B Ch 14 Ancient Wisdom Modern Insight by Shirley Nicholson
It is recommended that participants be encouraged to read Chapter Four of John Algeo’s Theosophy: An Introductory Study Course before the class if possible. These concepts are not necessarily simple, nor will they be absorbed completely at first exposure. Thus it is also recommended that the class read through John Algeo’s Chapter 4 of the study guide aloud.
According to Theosophy, human beings are mirrors of the universe. Neither animals nor angels have in their natures all the potencies and aspects found in the Cosmos---spiritual, psychic and physical. Thus, in humans we find a reflection of every element, state, energy, or power that is present in the universe. This is the reason why the oracle of Delphi proclaimed that by knowing oneself one can know the universe. Also, by knowing the universe one can know oneself. The Theosophical literature is wealthy in explanations about the origin, constitution, working, and evolution of the universe, not out of intellectual curiosity, but because its serious study brings insights into the hidden nature of human beings and the unfolding of the universe. Theosophy postulates that both the universe and the human have a sevenfold nature. The three higher aspects belong to the eternal and spiritual, the four lower to the temporary and material. The Cosmos is the expression of an ultimate Reality, an Absolute principle which is called Parabrahman. This ultimate Reality finds its expression in humans in Atman; our seventh Principle which is beyond our mind. Out of this Absolute Reality appears a creative Logos, also called the Universal Mind or Divine Thought, which builds the Cosmos. The human mind, being the personal reflection of the Universal one, also shapes its own world through cultural and technological development. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Human beings are able to create as well as to destroy worlds. Divine powers of Wisdom, Love, and Compassion are also part of our spiritual nature, and they need to be awakened so that the evolutionary aim for our system can be fulfilled. All of us are aware of our four-fold personal nature, which includes body, vitality, emotions, and the lower, or personal, mind. Most of us, however, are not very aware of our three-fold spiritual nature, which consists of the real Self, the spiritual intuition, and the higher, or spiritual, mind. The theosophical life aims at unfolding our spiritual nature so that we can realize our real Self, which is the One Self of the Universe.
Discussion questions (From John Algeo’s Study Guide)
1. What is the relationship of your body to yourself?
2. What is the purpose for having material forms?
3. What is the difference between the three perishable bodies and the fourth or permanent body?
4. Briefly describe the emotional and mental bodies.
5. What is the etheric double? What is its function? Why is it said not to be a true body?
6. What is the name given in Theosophy to the permanent body? Why is it so called?
7. Explain the significance of color in thought and feeling, and indicate the meanings of some of the colors. How are such color meanings reflected in our ordinary use of language? For example, what is a “black mood?”
8. What kind of experience is worked into the causal body?
9. Explain why the bodies lead the consciousness to habitual thoughts, desires, and actions.
10. What should be our attitude toward our bodies?
Proposed activities
1- Each person in the group may take one of the following sections from the short explication by Shirley Nicholson on “The Self and Its Spheres” (Handout_C). Larger groups might have people work in teams, smaller groups might want to assign teams to each short section.
A) Atman, the deepest Self
B) The Physical-Emotional–Mental Self
C) Mind, The Pivot
D) Intuitive Insight
E) The Spiritual Will
F) The Whole Self
2- Each person may read through his/her assigned section thoroughly and then rephrase the ideas in his/her own words. Emphasize that no one is expected to master his assigned concept, far from it, but that it can be very helpful for the group to put some of these basic ideas into their own words.
3- Going in order from A-F, each person may share the summary of his assigned section/concept written in his/her own words. After each person reads his/her summary, the group should, as a whole, discuss the idea briefly, clarifying certain points and ensuring a basic understanding.
4- The first sentence of John Algeo’s chapter 4 from the study guide reads, "Our own inner nature, which is that of all human beings, is something we need to understand if we are serious about brotherhood."
How does knowledge of our own inner nature enhance our ability to contribute to and understand Brotherhood?
Related resources
Algeo, John, Unlocking the Door : Studies in The Key to Theosophy : H.P. Blavatsky's Introduction to Theosophy and The Theosophical Society, T AL34 UD
Bendit, Laurence John, The Etheric Body of Man : The Bridge of Consciousness, T B433 EBM
Besant, Annie Wood, Man and his Bodies, T T343.2 TM NO.7
Blavatsky, H. P.,The Key to Theosophy : An Abridgement, T B614 KT MIL 1992
Christie, Catherine W.,Theosophy for Beginners: And for the Use of Lotus Circles, T C461 TB
Kunz, Dora, The Personal Aura, T K964 PA
Layton, Eunice S., Life, Your Great Adventure : A Theosophical View: Formerly Titled, Theosophy, Key to Understanding, T 298 LAY LGA
Leadbeater, C. W. , Man Visible and Invisible : Examples of Different Types of Men as Seen by Means of Trained Clairvoyance, T L469 MVI
Taimni, I. K., Man, God, and the Universe, T T136 MGU
Algeo, John, Studies in The Key to Theosophy [sound recording], AR 4728-6
Hannon, Ralph, Studies in the Key to Theosophy [videorecording], VR 0850 PT.3
Kunz, Dora, The Role of the Physical, Mental, and Emotional Bodies in Healing [videorecording], VR 0991
Tags: algeo, nicholoson, planes
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