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unwarranted assumptions as to the possibilities of nature, and on an imperfect understanding of its laws. I shall now examine (from the stand-point of the Brahmanical esoteric doctrine) the Spiritual constitution of man, the various entities or principles existing in him, and ascertain whether either of those entities entering into his composition can appear on earth after his death; and, if so, what it is that so appears.
Professor Tyndall in his Excellent papers on what he calls the "Germ Theory" comes to the following conclusions as the result of a series of well-planned experiments:—Even in a very small volume of space there are myriads of protoplasmic germs floating in ether. If, for instance, say,—water (clear water) is exposed to them and if they fall into it, some form of life or other will be evolved out of them. Now, what are the agencies for the bringing of this life into existence? Evidently:—
I. The water, which is the field, so to say, for the growth of life.
II. The protoplasmic germ, out of which life or a living organism is to be evolved or developed. And, lastly—
III. The power, energy, force or tendency which springs into activity at the touch or combination of the protoplasmic germs and the water, and which evolves or develops life and its natural attributes.
Similarly, there are three primary causes which bring the human being into existence. I shall call them for the purpose of discussion by the following names:—
(1) Parabrahmam—The Universal Spirit.
(2) Sakti (The crown of the astral light combining in itself all the powers of nature).
(3) Prakriti, which in its original or primary shape is represented by Akasa (really, every form of matter is finally reducible to Akasa).*[1]
- ↑ * The Tibetan esoteric Buddhist doctrine teaches that Prakriti is cosmic matter, out of which all visible forms are proudced; and Akasa that same cosmic matter,—but still more subjective, its spirit, as it were, "Prakriti" being the body or substance, and "Akasa-Sakti" its soul or energy.—ED.