Theosophy and the Number
Seven
A selection of articles
relating to the esoteric
significance
of the Number 7 in Theosophy
Septenary Division in
Different Indian Systems
An anonymous contribution
to
the
Theosophist Magazine
We give below in a tabular form the classifications, adopted by
Buddhist and by Vedantic teachers, of the principles in man:--
Classification
in Vedantic Classification
in
Esoteric
Buddhism Classification Taraka Raja Yoga
(1.) Sthula
sarira Annamaya kosa Sthulopadhi
(2.) Prana
Pranamaya kosa
(3.)The Vehicle
of Prana
(4.)
(a) Volitions Manomaya kosa
(5.)
Mind/& feelings &c. Sukshmopadhi
(b) Vignanam Vignanamayakosa
(6.)
Spiritual Soul Anandamayakosa Karanopadhi
(7.)
Atma Atma Atma
From the foregoing table it will be seen that the third principle
in the
Buddhist classification is not separately mentioned in the Vedantic
division as it is
merely the vehicle of prana. It will
also be seen
that the fourth
principle is included in the third kosa (sheath), as the
said principle is
but the vehicle of will-power, which is but an energy
of the
mind. It must also be noticed that the
Vignanamayakosa is
considered to be
distinct from the Manomayakosa, as a division is made
after death
between the lower part of the mind, as it were, which has a
closer affinity
with the fourth principle than with the sixth and its
higher part, which
attaches itself to the latter, and which is, in fact,
the basis for
the higher spiritual individuality of man.
We may also here point out to our readers that the classification
mentioned in the last
column is for all practical purposes connected
with Raja Yoga,
the best and simplest. Though there are
seven
principles in man,
there are but three distinct Upadhis (bases), in each
of which his
Atma may work independently of the rest.
These three
Upadhis can be separated by an adept without killing himself. He cannot
separate the seven
principles from each other without destroying his
constitution.
Theosophical Society Member
Theosophical Society, Cardiff Lodge,
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