"The self does not begin at birth or conception, nor does it end with death. Life is like a string of pearls, the self being the thread and the pearls side by side are life experiences, births and deaths being a continuim, all opportunities for growth in consciousness."
"Death is only the separation of the soul from the body."
We really liked this painting, and decided to present it here for your appreciation. This symbolic painting hangs in the administration building at the International Headquarters of The Theosophical Society, Pasadena, California. It is in oil and gesso, measuring 6'2" x 7'5". In the artist's words, "THE PATH is the way by which the human soul must pass in its evolution to full spiritual self-consciousness."
click on picture to enlarge
Here is the text supplied with the print:
The Path is the way by which the human soul must pass in its evolution to full spiritual self-consciousness. The supreme condition is suggested in this work by the great figure whose head in the upper triangle is lost in the glory of the Sun above, and whose feet are in the lower triangle in the waters of Space, symbolizing Spirit and Matter. His wings fill the middle region representing the motion or pulsation of cosmic life, while within the octagon are displayed the various planes of consciousness through which humanity must rise to attain perfect Manhood.
At the top
is a winged Isis, the Mother or Oversoul, whose wings veil the face of the
Supreme from those below. There is a circle dimly seen of celestial
figures who hail with joy the triumph of a new initiate, one who has
reached to the heart of the Supreme. From that point he looks back with
compassion upon all who are still wandering below and turns to go down
again to their help as a Saviour. Below him is the red ring of the
guardians who strike down those who have not the "password,"
symbolized by the white flame floating over the head of the purified
aspirant. Two children, representing purity, pass up unchallenged. In the
center of the picture is a warrior who has slain the dragon of illusion,
the dragon of the lower self, and is now prepared to cross the gulf by
using the body of the dragon as his bridge (for we rise on steps made of
conquered weaknesses, the slain dragon of the lower nature).
On one side
two women climb, one helped by the other whose robe is white and whose
flame burns bright as she helps her weaker sister. Near them a man climbs
from the darkness; he has moneybags hung at his belt but no flame above
his head, and already the spear of a guardian of the fire is poised above
him ready to strike the unworthy in his hour of triumph. Not far off is a
bard whose flame is veiled by a red cloud (passion) and who lies prone,
struck down by a guardian's spear; but as he lies dying, a ray from the
heart of the Supreme reaches him as a promise of future triumph in a later
life.
On the
other side is a student of magic, following the light from a crown
(ambition) held aloft by a floating figure who has lead him to the edge of
the precipice over which for him there is no bridge; he holds his book of
ritual and thinks the light of the dazzling crown comes from the Supreme,
but the chasm awaits its victim. By his side his faithful follower falls
unnoticed by him, but a ray from the heart of the Supreme falls upon her
also, the reward of selfless devotion, even in a bad cause.
Lower still
in the underworld, a child stands beneath the wings of the foster-mother
(material Nature) and receives the equipment of the Knight, symbols of the
power of the Soul, the sword of power, the spear of will, the helmet of
knowledge and the coat of mail, the links of which are made of past
experiences.
It is said
in an ancient book "The Path is one for all, the means to reach the
goal must vary with the Pilgrims."
[Inscribed on a wooden disk attached to the lower left corner is the following verse:]
If Wisdom thou wouldst gain, Be Strong, Be Bold, Be Merciful. But when thou hast attained Then let Compassion speak. Renounce the Goal, Return to Earth A Saviour of mankindA print of this painting can be purchased at the web site of the Theosophical Society. Image is used by permission of Theosophical University Press.
contact us by email at: PAD@thepathway.com
