第 17 节
作者:      更新:2021-02-18 21:16      字数:9321
  fill。
  This is somewhat similar to their illusive Devachan; an ideal; a mere
  mystical   sentiment   to   gush   over;   but   a   something   they   do   not   in   reality
  comprehend。 Therefore; we shall do our utmost to explain this universal
  law; and to point out wherein its first principles are manifest。 Once these
  are mastered; the Golden Rule will explain all the rest: 〃As it is below; so
  it is above; as on the earth; so in the sky。〃
  Here;   then;   is   our   first   lesson   on   the   subject   of   REALITY;   which
  constitutes the Hermetic science of Correspondences。
  First; realize  that   a line or   an angle;  for instance; is   something   more
  than its mere mathematical outline。 It corresponds to some power; force;
  or principle within the great Anima…Mundi of the mysteries; that are trying
  to find expression; in their evolutionary journey; in forms。 Let us illustrate
  our meaning。 A point or dot is what? Well; externally it is the alpha of all
  mathematics。        It  is  the   first  finite  manifestation       of  the   spiritual   force。
  Within that dot lies concealed; in embryo; all the future possibilities of the
  manifesting principle。
  This   dot   or   point   is   a   something   to   begin   with;   a   form   externalized;
  from which   all future   forms   may  spring forth;   and they  may be   infinite;
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  both in number and variety。 First a primary; simple idea; from which all
  ideas and thoughts; intricate and complex; have their being。
  A point extended is a straight line; scientifically expressed (whereas in
  real truth there is no such thing as a straight line); that is to say; it is a form
  increased   or   multiplied  by  itself;   and   therefore;   is   an   extension   in   space
  that can be measured; and each extension means a new form; an additional
  symbol。   It   has   taken   on   new   aspects;   new   relations;   hence   contains   the
  second   principle   of   mathematics;   so   to   say;   but;   besides   being   points;
  THEY ARE SYMBOLS。 They are principles in Nature as clearly related
  to each other as the leaf and the stem of plant life。
  Each monad; or point in the universe; is the beginning of something;
  equally   so;   it   is   also   the   termination   of   its   own   forces   in   that   particular
  action;   and   will   remain   inert   until   it   becomes   acted   upon   by   something
  else。
  A point; then; is a primary; simple idea; a straight line。 An angle is the
  same   idea;   rendered   greater   and   more   complex;   and   refers   to   the   same
  forces   upon   a   different   plane;   and   the   more   we   multiply   the   angles   the
  more      complex      and    far…reaching      becomes      the   symbol      and    the   more
  numerous and diverse become its planes of action。 Here we will introduce
  an   example。 A  trine   represents   three   forces   or   angles;   and;   when   united;
  form a trinity; hence harmony。 Its apex (when above) is celestial; therefore
  represents the male forces of spirit。
  A trine reversed also represents the same forces; with its apex in matter;
  hence   it   is   negative。   In   these   two   complex   ideas;   clearly   represented   by
  these    symbols;      we   have    ALL   matter      and   spirit;  and    yet  they   are   but
  extensions of our point in   space;   rendered   far…reaching   and   complex;   by
  the position and the number of angles presented。
  Let us turn the key once again; and we find that; both spirit and matter
  possess      the   same     outline     in  their    primal    concept;      except    reversed
  (polarized)。
  Let us unite these two trines; and we have a still more potent form; a
  symbol   almost   infinitely   complex。  We   have   spirit   and   matter   united;   or;
  rather; three rays of force; positive; meeting three rays of force; negative;
  at a given point。 Thus we have six points; also six sides; the ultimate of
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  which is a cube。 All are now equal。 It is the first force of a crystallization
  (creation) of matter。
  Once again let us turn the key; and we have our two conceptions in a
  metaphysical sense;   the trine  with   its   apex   above  is   as   the  trine  with   its
  apex below; both the same in form; yet vibrating to very different planes;
  and     a  very   different    language     is  required     to  read   and   interpret    their
  meaning aright。 The spiritual; or the trine with its apex above; draws its
  influence from the celestial; and as it condenses and takes on form in the
  trine of matter; it transmits this same Divine force through its apex; which
  points    below;    to   matter。   The    double    trine  is  found    upon    every   plane;
  obeying the Divine Law of Correspondences。
  It   is;   in   this   sense;   called   〃Solomon's   Seal;〃   because   it   is   the   grand
  hieroglyphic of the Hermetic law: 〃As it is above; so it is below; as on the
  Earth; so in the sky。〃
  To   continue   this   line   of   reasoning;   or   speculation;   let   us   say;   would
  lead us beyond the firm basis of human reason; it would escape the grasp
  of intellect; to which I am compelling this course of instruction to bend;
  but it would never take us beyond the real limits of the universe; yet; not
  to extend our investigations; we would ever remain in the lower trine; in
  the   realms   of   effects;   and   lose   sight   entirely   of   the   trine   of   spirit;   from
  whence originated the force and potency in the form of matter。
  Therefore   it   is;   that   the   science of   Symbolism  has   been   evolved   and
  formulated。   The   symbols;   the   manifestations;   are   ever   present;   and   the
  study of effects will; to a developed soul; suggest the cause; the nature of
  the   principle   back   of   it;   as   well   as   the   law   which   would   produce   such
  effects。 Such is the science of symbolism; and it bounds and binds back
  into a religio…philosophical system; each class of symbols and each plane
  of manifestation; as securely as modern savants have defined the province
  of chemistry; magnetism; and mathematics; and; so far; these bounds are
  useful。 But it is only a question of time and space; after all; because; when
  resolved   back;   or;   let   us   say;   evolved   up   into   their   abstract   principles;
  chemistry;      magnetism;      and    mathematics;      are   purely    arbitrary    terms   to
  express special features of the same one eternal thing or sciencewhich is
  EXISTENCE;   and   it;   in   turn;   is   CONSCIOUSNESS;   not   that   external
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  consciousness of existence; not that knowledge and love of living; but that
  interior; conscious knowledge; which tells us why and how we exist; by
  what force and power we are sustained and permitted to obey and   carry
  out   the   law   of   mediumship;   reception   and   transmission;   attraction   and
  repulsion; spiritual and material; that ultimately blend and become as one;
  the   double   trine;   and;   united   with   the   Divine   Ego   of   its   being;   becomes
  complete; seven; the perfected number of form。
  The    sum    total;  then;   of   all;  and  the   value   it  may    possess    to  the
  individual;   is   measured   by   his   ability   to   perceive;   for   there   is   nothing
  external that is not in some sense mental; and there is nothing mental that
  is not in some sense spiritual。 The sides of the triangle; physical; mental;
  and spiritual; and the apex where meet the mental and spiritual; forms the
  center of contact to higher trines in realms above。
  Where mind is not; there are no symbols; no ideas; no manifestations。
  The spirit has not yet reached that point in its evolutionary journey where
  it   can   yet   crystallize   its projected   force;  power;  or ideas; into   forms;   for
  everything that is; is the outcome of Divine thought; and expresses within
  itself   the   symbol      of  its  being。    This    is  the   arcana    of   the   Law    of
  Correspondences。
  Remember   the   above   teaching;   because   upon   its   full   comprehension
  rests the ability to read symbols aright。 It will aid the soul to fully realize
  that; the vast universe is but the mental image of the Creator; that there is
  no such thing as manifested existence apart from mind; and consequently;
  the infinite worlds that float securely in space; blushing and scintillating
  with light of life and love of