“In the beginning Brahman was all this. He was one, and infinite. * * * The Highest Self is not to be fixed, he is unlimited, unborn, not to be reasoned about, not to be conceived. He is, like the ether, everywhere, and at the destruction of the Universe, he alone is awake. Thus from that ether he wakes all this world, which consists of (his) thought only, and by him alone is all this meditated on, and in him it is dissolved. His is that luminous form which shines in the sun, and the manifold light in the smokeless fire. He who is in the fire, and he who is in the heart, and he who is in the sun, they are one and the same. He who knows this becomes one with the One.”
Now “to know” this, does not mean to merely apprehend the statement, but actually become personally acquainted with it by interior experience. And this is difficult. But it is to be sought after. And the first step to it is the attempt to realize universal brotherhood, for when one becomes identified with the One, who is all, he “participates in the souls of all creatures;” surely then the first step in the path is universal brotherhood.
The hymn of praise to Brahm (which is Brahman) is the real object of this magazine, and of our existence. The hymn is used, in the sacrifice, when verbally expressed, and we can offer it in our daily existence, in each act, whether eating, sleeping, waking, or in any state. A man can hardly incorporate this idea in his being and not be spiritually and morally benefited.
But we cannot fully explain here, as it is to be constantly referred to in this magazine.—[Ed.]
Theosophical Activities.
Aryan Theosophical Society of New York.—This branch has established the nucleus of a library to consist of Theosophical, Metaphysical, Occult, Aryan, and other literature. It already numbers about fifty volumes, some of which are loaned pending further accumulations and the acquirement of a proper place to keep them. It is hoped that this will grow to be of great value. A fund for the purpose has also been started. During April the contributions have been: A Friend, $5; Mr. B. X., $3: C., nine books: Hist. of Witchcraft in Salem; Zend Avesta; What is Theosophy?; Mother Clothed with the Sun; Footfalls on the Boundaries of Another World, &c.; from Dr. Seth Pancoast, Red and Blue Light.
The books will be loaned to resident members upon giving receipt for a definite period. Donations of books or money towards the fund, can be sent to The Path, or the Pres’t of the A. T. S., box 2659, New York City.
Several other books are promised and will be in hand before next month.
The Branch is actively engaged in spreading Theosophical literature, and now has requests for books from all parts of the U. S. It has reprinted Mrs. Sinnett’s “Purpose of Theosophy” very cheap in form, but well done, and has other reprints in mind. Since last month, permanent quarters have been obtained, where the library will be established. Private meetings are also held from time to time among the members, for study and discussion.