Mohandas K. Gandhi on Universal Brother/Sisterhood

Gandhi with Annie Besant, 1921

In November 1889 Mahatma Gandhi visited the London Lodge of the Theosophical Society and met with Blavatsky and Annie Besant. Two members of the society also recommended that Gandhi read the Bhagavad Gita.  (Charles Freer Andrews (Hrsg.): Mahatma Gandhi, Mein Leben. Suhrkamp, Frankfurt a.M. 1983).  In an interview with the journalist Louis Fischer in June of 1946, Gandhi commented: “Theosophy is the teaching of Madame Blavatsky…Theosophy is the brotherhood of man.”  (Louis Fisher, The Life of Mahatma Gandhi, Harper and Row paperback edition, 1983, P. 437)

My mission is not merely brotherhood of Indian humanity. My mission is not merely freedom of India, though today it undoubtedly engrosses practically the whole of my life and the whole of my time. But through realization of freedom of India I hope to realize and carry on the mission of the brotherhood of man. My patriotism is not an exclusive thing. It is all-embracing and I should reject that patriotism which sought to mount upon the distress or the exploitation of other nationalities. The conception of my patriotism is nothing if it is not always, in every case without exception, consistent with the broadest good of humanity at large. Not only that, but my religion and my patriotism derived from my religion embrace all life. I want to realize brotherhood or identity not merely with the beings called human, but I want to realize identity with all life, even with such things as crawl upon earth. I want, if I don't give a shock, to realize identity with even the crawling things upon earth, because we claim descent from the same God, and that being so, all life in whatever form it appears must be essentially one. (The Mind of Mahatma Gandhi, 1945, 135) (Young India, 4-4-1929, p107)

Interdependence is and ought to be as much the ideal of man as self-sufficiency. Man is a social being. Without inter-relation with society he cannot realize his oneness with the universe or suppress his egotism. His social interdependence enables him to test his faith and to prove himself on the touchstone of reality. If man were so placed or could so place himself as to be absolutely above all dependence on his fellow-beings he would become so proud and arrogant as to be a veritable burden and nuisance to the world. Dependence on society teaches him the lesson of humanity. That a man ought to be able to satisfy most of his essential needs himself is obvious; but it is no less obvious to me that when self-sufficiency is carried to the length of isolating oneself from society it almost amounts to sin. A man cannot become self-sufficient even in respect of all various operations from the growing of the cotton to the spinning of the yarn. He has at some stage or other to take the aid of members of his family. And if one may take the help from one's own family, why not from one's neighbours? Or otherwise what is the significance of the great saying, 'The world is my family'? (The Mind of Mahatma Gandhi, 1945, 136)

Unity, to be real, must stand the severest strain without breaking. “Communal Unity” (1949).

Islam stands for the unity and brotherhood of mankind, and not for disrupting the oneness of the human family. “Communal Unity” (1949).

Hinduism insists on the brotherhood of not only all mankind but of all that lives.  “All Religions are True” (1962).

All the great religions of the world inculcate equality and brotherhood of mankind and the virtue of toleration.  “All Religions are True” (1962)

Through realization of freedom of India, I hope to realize and carry on the mission of brotherhood of man.  Judith M. Brown (2008). “The Essential Writings”, p.19, Oxford University Press

The golden way is to be friends with the world and to regard the whole human family as one. He who distinguishes between the votaries of one's own religion and those of another miss-educates the members of his own and opens the way for discord and irreligion. (Mahatma Gandhi, The Last Phase, 1956, I, 359)

I have that implicit faith in my mission that, if it succeeds - as it will succeed, it is bound to succeed--history will record it as a movement designed to knit all people in the world together, not as hostile to one another but as parts of one whole. (Harijan, 26-1-1934, p. 8)

Mankind is one, seeing that all are equally subject to the moral law. All men are equal in God's eyes. There are, of course, differences of race and status and the like, but the higher the status of a man, the greater is his responsibility. (The Mind of Mahatma Gandhi, 1945, 137)

I am a humble servant of India and in trying to serve India, I serve humanity at large.... After nearly fifty years of public life, I am able to say today that my faith in the doctrine that the service of one's nation is not inconsistent with the service of the world has grown. It is a good doctrine. Its acceptance alone will ease the situation in the world and stop the mutual jealousies between nations inhabiting this globe of ours. (The Mind of Mahatma Gandhi, 1945, 135-36)

Duties to self, to the family, to the country and to the world are not independent of one another. One cannot do good to the country by injuring himself or his family. Similarly one cannot serve the country injuring the world at large. In the final analysis we must die that the family may live, the family must die that the country may live and the country must die that the world may live. But only pure things can be offered in sacrifice. Therefore, self-purification is the first step. When the heart is pure, we at once realize what is our duty at every moment. (Diary of Mahadev Desai, 1953, 287)

Astrology: Summer Solstice June 20, 2021

Obstacles to Progress

This year is marked by the Saturn-Uranus square which goes exact three times this year, near the beginning (Feb. 17), the middle (June 14) and the end (Dec. 24), thus giving us a chance to see its meaning unfold in three steps. The second step occurs  one week before the summer solstice, marking a mid-point, possibly giving indications to be elucidated with the 3^rd step at the years end.

Structure versus change

There’s openness to new and challengeing experiences, but the desire for change and new experiences can be thwarted and blocked because of rigid patterns. Longstanding difficult situations can become difficult to withstand, which can lead to unexpected radicalizations. Enduring pressure can cause extreme tensions, health issues. Fear of change can lead to total overthrow of structure or one can endure great tensions to avoid upsetting status quo. When the need for change is unconscious there can occur sudden unpleasant changes or accidents.

Problems with relationships that hold you down can emerge and oppressive authority figures. Work can become  too routine and rigid, with a  danger of new responsibilities without new sitmulation. There can be sudden fireing or quitting. It can be an opportunity to clean out elements that aren’t working, a chance to make conscious change.  It can be a matter of balancing creative change versus destructive revolution. (R. Hand)

Leading up to  the summer solstice, there has been a lunar eclipse (May 26), a Mars-Pluto opposition (June 5), a solar eclipse (June 10), the 2^nd exact Saturn-Uranus square (June 14). This solstice chart (which can be considered as a kind of snapshot of the quarter to come) is a very intense one, with two powerful aspects, the challengeing Grand Cross and the beneficial Grand Trine, both involving the Moon, which can be quite powerful in a transit chart, even though it doesn’t last long.

Saturn, Mars, Uranus, Moon, Grand Cross

The first quarter of the year witnessed dramatic convulsions in the aftermath of the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction, notably with turbulence in American politics and the emergene of a second wave of the Covid pandemic. The second semester continued to witness social conflicts as the world struggled to proceed with the vaccination roll-out as efforts were made to control the re-merging pandemic.

The chart in this third quarter shows an interesting midway point. The desire for progressive change versus resistance to maintain traditional beliefs. Power struggles at the social level versus conflicts over the level of governmental control of pandemic measures – individual freedom versus collective health and safety, and the fair distribution of vaccines, hence the problem of social oppression.

A grand cross occurs when two oppositions are ninety degress apart, thus creating squares with all four points. Not necessarily an indication of failure, but rather an intense, high energy configuration with many conflicts and obstacles.  Mars square Saturn indicates a rebellious, impatient, impulsive attitude, frustrated by red tape, rules, authority figures and structures. The Moon opposite Uranus can bring unexpected conflicts, impulsiveness, impatience, and high sensitivity. One of the more volatile and unpredictable configurations possible (short of having Pluto instead of the Moon, and Pluto is still at a wide nine degree opposition to Mars). These aspects are at their most intense at the beginning of July, with an exact Mars-Saturn opposition on July 1st and a Mars-Uranus square on July 4^th, making for a tight Mars-Saturn-Uranus T-square. Moreover, Mercury is retrograde, but is due to station direct on June 22, which can add some extra confusion. It is fortunate that there is a very favorable Grand Trine to soften the impact.

Sun, Moon, Jupiter Grand Trine

A Grand Trine brings great potential that requires work to bring out the maximum benefits. The planets are in water signs which highlights emotional states. Jupiter brings a positive, generous, altruistic, charitable, insightful attitude, that perceives holistic, big picture, long term views. It gives a great boost to the Sun and the Moon, the ego and the emotions, adding enthusiasm, optimism, buoyancy, charisma, and vitality.

Venus, Pluto, Neptune triangle of potential

A triangle of potential is an opposition that also has a sextile and trine that contains the key to resolving the opposition. Venus opposite Pluto brings intense passions, compulsive, demanding, manipulative tendencies where bottled up frustrations can explode., However with Venus trine Neptune (and the Neptune-Pluto trine), there is compassion, harmony, kindness, and openness and is a good time to  attune to the world of beauty, the arts, and the imagination.

References:

https://cafeastrology.com/astrologyreference.html 

 Robert Hand, Planets in Transit. Atgen, PA,, Whitford Press. 2001.

Isis Unveiled, Vol. 2 Table of Contents, Blavatsky

Below is an attempt to present a more formal table of contents with more detailed and descriptive outlines of all the chapters, which will hopefully serve to give an idea of the logical sequence of ideas and help to locate key topics easier.

For a more detailed summary, see here. 

The first seven chapters mainly comprise a fairly detailed and original study of early Christianity through the first five centuries (with an important comparative perspective that includes Gnosticism, Paganism, and Eastern religions), relying on the studies of the time, mainly Supernatural Religion by Cassels (which was a very popular and controversial book at the time, an historically significant work that has been forgotten), with the eighth chapter filling out the history of esoteric movements up to her time. The final four chapters, are more focused and self-contained: chapter nine adds more study of theosophical concepts of spiritual evolution in ancient scriptures that prefigure the Secret Doctrine, chapter ten presents a specific critique of the dogma of the Devil, adopting a Miltonian/Masonic esoteric interpretation of the fall of Lucifer, chapter eleven gives a solid comparative overview of Hindusim, Christianity, and Buddhism while chapter twelve serves as a general conclusion for both volumes, emphasizing magical practices found in eastern religions.

Chapter 1 Christianity’s relation to Spiritualism and Paganism

(The Church! Where is it?”) 

1- Christianity’s attitude towards paganism and spiritualism (p.1)

2- Origin of Christian belief in the Devil and Hell (10)

3- Christianity’s relation to the Supernatural (16)

4- The attitude of Science and Comparative Religion to Spiritualism (25)

5- India and Paganism as source of Christian theology (The logos, the Trinity, the Eucharist) (30)

6- Christianity’s struggles with Gnostics and Neoplatonists (51)

 

Chapter 2 – Christianity’s Relation to Pagan Practices; Pagan Mysteries compared to Christianity and Hinduism

(Christian Crimes and Heathen Virtues)

1- Magical Practices in Roman Catholic Church (55)

2- Persecution of Witchcraft and the Spanish Inquisition (59)

3-Exorcisms (66)

4- Mystical Visions in the Church (73)

5- Fabulations and Deceptions in the Medieval Church (79)

6- Pagan Influence on Christianity (84)

7- Pagan Mysteries compared to Christianity and Hinduism (97)

8 – Phallic Symbolism (120)

 

Chapter 3- Overview of Early Gnosticism in Relation to Nazarene Groups 

(Divisions Among the Early Christians)

1- Peter and the Myth of Apostolic Succession (p.123)

2- Nazarenes in Relation to Ebionites and Essenes (127)

3- Jehovistic and Chaldean currents in Judaism (128)

4- John the Baptist’s relation to Nazarenes (132)

5- Jesus’ relation to Nazarenes (137)

6- Zoroastrian connection to Nazarenes (140)

7- Essenes and Mystery Religions in relation to Nazarenes (143)

8- Jesus and the Ancient Portrayal of Magicians (147)

 

Chapter 4 – Eastern and Gnostic Cosmologies compared; Conflicts in the Early Christian Church 

(Oriental Cosmogonies and Bible Records)

1- The Ophite Theology compared with Indian and Near Eastern systems (167)

2- Conflict between Peter and Paul – Jehovists and Gnostics (188)

3- Essenes and Nazarenes (196)

 

Chapter 5 – The Kabbalah and Comparative Religion 

(Mysteries of the Kabala)

1- Sefirots compared (212)

2- Kabbalistic Trinity Compared (222)

3- Four-Face Cherubim and World Saviours Compared (230)

 

Chapter 6 – Comparative Cosmology and Soul Evolution 

(Esoteric Doctrines of Buddhism Parodied in Christianity)

1- Development of Christianity in the fourth Century (251)

2- Comparative Ancient Cosmology (260)

3- Eastern Doctrine of Cycles and Evolution (272)

4- The Evolution of the Soul in Ancient Greece and Buddhism (279)

 

Chapter 7 – Gnosticism, Early Christianity, Buddhism and the Secret Doctrine

(Early Christian Heresies and Secret Societies)

1- Ophites and Mandaen systems (289)

2- Druzes (303)

3- Early Christianity (323)

 

Chapter 8 – Jesuits, Templars, Rosicrucians, Masons, and the Lost Word 

(Jesuitry and Masonry)

1- The Jesuits (348)

2- Masonry (366)

 

Chapter 9 Principles of Esoteric Evolution: Symbolism and Astrology in the Bible and the Vedas 

(The Vedas and the Bible)

1- Seven in Ancient Scriptures (405)

2- Symbolism in Genesis (420)

3- Ezekiel’s Wheel Astrological Symbolism (455)

 

Chapter 10 – The Origin and History of the Dogma of Satan 

(The Devil-Myth)

1- Eternal Damnation / Christian Missionaries (473)

2-Dogma of the existence of Satan (476)

3- Biblical Passages (480)

4- Serpent-Dragon Pagan Sources (482)

5- Job (493)

6- Demons / Church History (500)

7- Avatars (503)

8- Sun and Dragon Myths / Hell (506)

9- Descent into Hell / Gospel of Nicodemus (514)

10- Israelites and Saturn (523)

11- Judaism and Christian Theology (525)

12- Bacchus (527)

 

Chapter 11– Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity Compared (Comparative Results of Buddhism and Christianity)

1- Christianity and Comparative Religion (529)

2- Doctrines Compared (543)

3- Rituals Compared (560)

 

Chapter 12 – Eastern Magic, Shamanism and Conclusion 

(Conclusions and Illustrations)

1- Eastern Magic (p.587)

2- Shamanism (615)

3- Conclusion (634)