“The exciting dice SEEM to me like a draught of the soma-plant growing on Mount Miyavat.” (capitals added)

- the soma-plant producing the draught of soma juice which is “used in the temples for trance purposes”, that is say to induce a state of bliss or euphoria.

“Drivers of Las Vegas Art Scene Cash Out
Prominent Couple’s Exit Marks Latest Blow for Once-Highflying City Laid Low by the Recession; Casino Galleries Fade Away.”

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704535004575348922798315544.html?mod=WSJ_newsreel_lifeStyle

H. P. Blavatsky remarked on reality in The Secret Doctrine, also famously, that “all things are relatively real, for the cogniser is also a reflection, and the things cognised are therefore as real to him as himself. ”

“But we cannot cognise any such existence directly, so long as we have sense-instruments which bring only material existence into the field of our consciousness,” she said.

And:

“Whatever plane our consciousness may be acting in, both we and the things belonging to that plane are, for the time being, our only realities. As we rise in the scale of development we perceive that during the stages through which we have passed we mistook shadows for realities, and the upward progress of the Ego is a series of progressive awakenings, each advance bringing with it the idea that now, at last, we have reached “reality;” but only when we shall have reached the absolute Consciousness, and blended our own with it, shall we be free from the delusions produced by Maya.”

http://www.theosociety.org/pasadena/sd/sd1-1-02.htm

Another story from Zhuangzi (Three in the Morning) is available in a recent Theosophy Watch post http://theosophywatch.com/2010/05/12/marx-brothers-buddhism/

Laozi’s and Zhuangzi’s writings seem to form the yin and the yang of Daoism (Taoism), with Laozi basically giving the basic impersonal law and teaching about the Dao, and Zhuangzi bringing a personal and often humorous touch through heartfelt stories of the human predicament and transcending it.

Catholic contemplative Thomas Merton did a really fine translation of selections from Zhuang Zi–actually considered one of the best even by scholars.

Burton Watson also did a really nice translation.

Zhuangzi is often considered a favorite over Laozi among Chinese students. He’s truly a delight!

Thank you for highlighting one of his stories.

I see that some of the tales of Chuang Tzu or Zhuanzi are published in “Wandering on the Way” by Victor Mair (Hawai’i Press). Wikipedia gives him as living from 370 to 301 BCE.

Thanks for your link to the account of Apollonius’ unmasking of the vampire – a succubus – that was fattening up the innocent Menippus before feasting on him.

As we reflect on the current trials of the RC Church at this time this ‘unmasking’ has possibly begun?

The Editors

====================

2010/04/24 at 10:22 pm, from lidiabravo@ig.com.br

Dear friends,

Helena P. Blavatsky – the main founder of the modern theosophical movement – made an interesting prophecy with regard to the Catholic Church. The prophecy was also a wish, a hope – perhaps a vow.

Read more in:

How a Tale From The Life of Apollonius of Tyana May Illustrate the Destiny of the Vatican

http://www.esoteric-philosophy.com/

Friendly yours,

Lídia Bravo

Helena P. Blavatsky – the main founder of the modern theosophical movement – made an interesting prophecy with regard to the Catholic Church. The prophecy was also a wish, a hope – perhaps a vow.

Read more in:

How a Tale From The Life of Apollonius of Tyana May Illustrate the Destiny of the Vatican

http://www.esoteric-philosophy.com/

Friendly yours,

Lídia Bravo

There is a clear relationship between the vitality of the Theosophical Movement and the ability to maintain an open and frank criticism on poorly understood aspects of its history.

The “Judge Case” remains an open wound in the Theosophical Movement and his complete clarification will help the healing process.

This is not an “age old controversy”, this is a matter of the present. If we don´t want to fall into ethical relativism, where, under the cloack of freedom of thought, rumors and falsehoods have the same value than the facts and truth, then we need not fear the truth, even if it can be painful. As it said, “the truth shall make you free” (John, 8, 31-36).

Namaste,

Joaquim Soares
Portugal