Previous     Next           Table of Contents
A Treatise on Cosmic Fire - Section Two - Introductory Questions
V. Is there a direct Analogy between the Development of a System, a Planet, a Man and an Atom?

If by this question the desire exists to demonstrate exact similarity, the answer must be: No, the analogy is never exact in detail but only in certain broad basic correspondences. In all the four factors, there will be found unchangeable points of resemblance, but in development the stages of growth may not appear the same in detailed evolution, viewed from the standpoint of a man in the [246] three worlds, handicapped as he is by limited apprehension. The points of resemblance between the four might be summed up as follows, taking the atom on the physical plane as our starting point, and developing the concept from stage to stage:

An Atom 1

  1. An atom consists of a spheroidal form containing within itself a nucleus of life.
  2. An atom contains within itself differentiated molecules, which in their totality form the atom itself. For instance, we are told that the physical atom contains within its periphery fourteen thousand millions of the archetypal atoms, yet these myriads demonstrate as one.
  3. An atom is distinguished by activity, and shows forth the qualities of:
    1. Rotary motion.
    2. Discriminative power.
    3. Ability to develop.
  4. An atom, we are told, contains within itself three major spirals and seven lesser 2 which ten are in process [247] of vitalization, but have not yet attained full activity. Only four are functioning at this stage, and the fifth is in process of development.
  5. Am atom is governed by the Law of Economy, is coming slowly under the Law of Attraction, and will eventually come under the Law of Synthesis.
  6. An atom finds its place within all forms; it is the aggregation of atoms that produces form.
  7. Its responsiveness to outer stimulation:
    • Electrical stimulation, affecting its objective form.
    • Magnetic stimulation, acting upon its subjective life.
    • The united effect of the two stimulations, producing consequent internal growth and development.

An atom therefore is distinguished by:

  1. Its spheroidal shape. Its ring-pass-not is definite and seen.
  2. Its internal arrangement, which comprises the sphere of influence of any particular atom.
  3. Its life-activity, or the extent to which the life at the center animates the atom, a relative thing at this stage.
  4. Its sevenfold inner economy in process of evolution.
  5. Its eventual synthesis internally from the seven into the three.
  6. Its group relation.
  7. Its development of consciousness, or responsiveness.

Having predicated the above facts of the atom, we can extend the idea now to man, following the same general outline:

1 In connection with the Atom, the Secret Doctrine says:

  1. Absolute intelligence thrills through every atom. - S. D., I, 298.
  2. Wherever there is an atom of matter, there is life. - S. D., I, 245, 269, 279.
  3. The atom is a concrete manifestation of the Universal Energy. - S. D., I., 201.
  4. The same invisible lives compose the atoms, etc. - S. D., I, 281.
  5. Every atom in the universe has the potentiality of self-consciousness. - S. D., I, 132; II, 742.
  6. Atoms and souls are synonymous in the language of Initiates. - S. D., I., 620, 622.
  7. The atom belongs wholly to the domain of metaphysics. - S. D., I, 559.
  8. Deity is within every atom. - S. D., I, 89, 183.
  9. Every atom is doomed to incessant differentiation. - S. D., I, 167.
  10. The object of the evolution of the atom is Man. - S. D., I, 206.
  11. A germ exists in the center of every atom. - S. D., I, 87; II, 622.
  12. There is heat in every atom. - S. D., I, 112.
  13. Every atom has 7 planes of being. - S. D., I, 174.
  14. Atoms are vibrations. - S. D., I, 694.

2 Inner Life: Vol. II, 177-179. Occult Chemistry, p. 22. Occult Chemistry, Appendix II and III. Babbitt's Light and Color, pp. 97-101.
     Previous     Next           Table of Contents