The Seven Rays:Being Different Together

GBH Forum Network31 minutes read

Betty Bland discusses "together differently" to promote unity, while John Algeo presents on the seven rays' diversity within unity in Theosophical teachings. The seven rays, each reflecting a unique force and principle, symbolize the interconnected nature of existence and call for embracing diversity for a fulfilling communal life.

Insights

  • The concept of "together differently" emphasizes unity in diversity within the Theosophical Society, promoting collaboration and understanding among individuals from various backgrounds.
  • The seven rays, crucial Theosophical teachings, symbolize the diversity within unity, offering a framework to understand individual principles and forces that contribute to optimal self-growth and the interconnected nature of existence.

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Recent questions

  • What is the concept of "together differently"?

    Unity among diverse backgrounds.

  • What are the seven rays in Theosophical teachings?

    Principles reflecting diversity within unity.

  • How are the seven rays linked to chakras?

    Each ray associated with a specific chakra.

  • What do the seven rays symbolize?

    Unity in diversity.

  • How can individuals access resources from the Theosophical Society?

    Through the website, including lectures and library books.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Unity in Diversity: Theosophical Society's Seven Rays

  • Betty Bland is the national president of the Theosophical Society in America and a national lecturer.
  • She discusses the concept of "together differently" coined by George Arundale, emphasizing unity among diverse backgrounds.
  • Betty shares her experience in Atlanta, mentioning a mishap with her contact lens.
  • John Algeo, recovering from heart surgery, sends his regards and hopes to return soon.
  • Betty encourages accessing resources on the Theosophical Society's website, including lectures and library books.
  • The presentation on the seven rays as ways of being different together was prepared by John Algeo.
  • The seven rays are a key Theosophical teaching, reflecting diversity within unity.
  • The presentation draws from major writers like T. Subarrow and C.W. Leadbeater, focusing on the seven rays' significance.
  • Each of the seven rays corresponds to a specific principle within individuals and the cosmos.
  • The seven rays are associated with different colors, planets, and forces, symbolizing unity in diversity.

23:34

"Seven Rays: Forces for Self-Growth and Harmony"

  • The seven rays are principles within each individual, varying in proportions, crucial for optimal self-growth.
  • These rays are metaphorical forces generating the universe, consisting of consciousness, substance, and energy.
  • The unmanifest absolute, the basis of all, comprises consciousness, substance, and energy as primordial aspects.
  • The seven rays stem from combining these three primordial aspects in seven distinct ways.
  • Each ray represents a unique force: conscious innovation, materiality, emotion, spirituality, cognition, unconscious tradition, and harmony.
  • The arrangement of the rays in a hexagram symbolizes their principles and their corresponding forces.
  • The rays can be linked to the chakras, with each ray associated with a specific chakra and its corresponding principles.
  • Each ray is connected to specific symbols, planets, gods, and historical figures, reflecting their essence and influence.
  • The first ray embodies innovation and is linked to Jupiter, Shiva, and innovators like Thomas Edison.
  • The seventh ray represents tradition and unconscious habits, associated with the moon, Solomon, and builders like master masons.

47:50

"Seven rays of existence and interconnectedness"

  • Islam emphasizes obedience and submission, extending beyond traditional relationships like guru-disciple or nun-devotion to include secular hierarchies such as business structures and family bonds, all reflecting different aspects of the sixth ray of devotion and loyalty.
  • The seven rays, including primary ones like spiritual intelligence and materiality, secondary ones like cognitive mind, and the mediating fourth ray of harmonious vitality, showcase the diverse yet interconnected nature of existence, urging individuals to embrace and appreciate the unique qualities of others for a rich and fulfilling communal life.
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