Theosophy - What is Occultism by T.Subba Row
What
Is Occultism?
By T.
Subba Row
There is no difference between ancient
and modern occultism. So far as I know all real "occultism" is founded
on the same principles though the terms in which they have been expressed have
varied in different ages.
By occultism I understand that science,
or rather wisdom, that gives a true and accurate explanation of the workings
of the laws of nature, together with their application, throughout the universe.
Since all truth is one, its teachings
must necessarily accord with all the proved facts of science whether ancient
or modern. It must further explain all the facts of history, or the laws that
govern the relation of men to each other; all mythologies, and the relation
in which man stands to the rest of the universe.
It is, in fact, the science of the
origin, destiny, and powers of the universe, and all things therein.
The salient point of difference
between occult and modern science is that the former works by using the forces
and materials of nature in their natural condition, while the latter makes use
of them in a limited and separated condition on the lowest plane of their manifestation.
For instance, the occultist uses
the invisible forces of nature themselves when he wishes to produce currents
of heat, electricity, and the like, as elements in their higher and
more spiritual forms, while the scientist is obliged to have recourse to materials
as light, water, etc., and must first split these up, as they exist on the lowest
material plane, into what are called primary substances before carrying out
his experiments.
The occultist looks upon all nature
as a unity, and attributes all diversity to the fact that this unity is composed
of manifestations on different planes, the perception of which planes depends
on the development of the perceiver.
He believes that the one law pervading
all things is development by evolution, to an almost infinite degree, up to
the original source of all evolution -- the divine Logos: hence that man, as
we know him, is capable of almost infinite development.
He also believes in the absolute
original unity of all forms and modes of existence, and that all forms of matter
are interchangeable, just as ice may be converted into water and vice versa.
While scouting the idea of miracle, he believes that the developed man may attain
additional faculties of perception and action, and thus be able to control the
elements . . .
Believing that nature and its laws
are one, the occultist knows that all action contrary to those laws will be
met by opposing forces and destroyed, hence the developed man must, if he would
attain divinity, become a co-worker with nature. This he must do by training
himself into conformity with nature. This conformity with nature will lead him
to act invariably with benevolence to pursue unswervingly the highest good,
for what is called good is but action in conformity with the one law. Hence
occultism gives a rational sanction for right conduct such as is offered by
no other system, for it erects morality into a cosmic law, instead of basing
it on superstition. Moreover, the realization of the unity of nature leads the
occultist to recognize that the same one life that pervades all, is working
within himself also and he is thus led to find in "conscience" not
merely a criterion of right and wrong, but the germ of a higher faculty of perception,
a light to guide him on his way, while in the will he recognizes a force capable
of indefinite increase and extension.
All mythologies are pictorial representatives
of the laws and forces of nature, as creeds are but partial expressions of the
universal truth and, by intuitive study of the oldest of these, occult knowledge
can be attained. This knowledge in its purity has been handed down from time
immemorial from teacher to pupil and carefully guarded from abuse by a refusal
to impart it until the candidate has actually proved himself incapable of misusing
and misunderstanding it, for it is obvious that in the hands of an evilly disposed
or ignorant person, infinite harm might result from its use.
The current account of experiments
in thought-reading, psychometry, clairvoyance, mesmerism, spiritualism, etc.,
will show that there are reasons for believing that unsuspected powers and faculties
are latent in man.
The "marvels" of the occultist
are the result of scientific cultivation, and the attainment of perfect control
over such powers. . . .
This secret wisdom is the foundation
of all ancient philosophies and religions, whether Indian, Egyptian, Chaldean,
Zoroastrian, Grecian, etc. Its traces are to be found in every age and country;
there can be no greater mistake than to suppose that its reality is dependent
on any single authority. Its initiates and adepts form an unbroken succession
from the earliest appearance of man on this planet; their organization is today
practically what it was thousands of years ago, and what it will be thousands
of years hence. At the present time it is creating more stir in the public mind
than it has done for some centuries, and many are fancying that it is some new
thing. This is not so. As at some portions of the year the daylight lasts longer
than at others, so the divine light of wisdom is more broadly diffused in some
cycles than in others.
To those who have eyes to see, a
brighter light has arisen; but the light will not cease to shine because few
heed and many even scorn it, while others again misrepresent and try to persuade
themselves and others that it is but darkness upon all.
The Word, January 1905 |