Three Principles

<p>From the Three Principles arise all the infinite variety of combinations of mind, energy and matter, which go to make up the varieties of manifestation in the universe. &nbsp;</p>

<p>

From which all forms, shapes, combinations and varieties of manifestation arise:

1 &nbsp;the Cosmic Principle of Substance;

2 &nbsp;the Cosmic Principle of Motion;

3 &nbsp;the Cosmic Principle of Consciousness</p>

<p>

These Three Principles are Unmanifest during the Cosmic Night, but awaken into nascency and activity with the first thrill of the dawn of the new Cosmic Day. In the end, and at the last, these Three must be considered as phases of One. But that One, in itself, is but the reflection, so to speak, of The Law, although not by any means to be considered as being “qualities” or “phases” of The Law. The Law has no “qualities” or “phases”—it is over and above these things, which are but the aspects of Infinity, or the Cosmos. The Three Principles are fundamental in all manifestations of the Cosmos, from lowest to highest—from the simplest to the most complex. Wherever is found any manifestation of the Cosmos, there is and <i>must be</i> found the presence of the Three Principles in some degree of development or activity.</p>

<p>

If you prefer, yu may think of the Cosmos as consisting of merely these Three Principles, manifest or unmanifest. &nbsp;These Three Principles, manifest or unmanifest. &nbsp;These Three Principles we can never know of themselves--we know them only through and by their manifestations.</p>

<p>

Substance and Motion are not illusions— they are co‑equal with Mind, in reality and actuality. There can be no Mind without Substance and Motion; there can be no Substance without Mind and Motion; there can be no Motion without Mind and Substance. The “Three Principles” are always found together—in Everything the Three are found. There is no separateness in the Three Principles—there are, and must be, always in combination. And this combination in the Cosmos, gives us that which may be called the World‑Brain.</p>

<p>

In the Cosmic Will are inherent the "Three Principles," viz., Substance; Motion; and Consciousness. &nbsp;In the infinitude of manifestation of these Three Principles by the Cosmic Will is found the explanation of the Cosmos or Universe. &nbsp;In their play, and interplay, is found the secret of shape, form, variety and degrees of Substance, Motion, and Consciousness. And from these arise LIFE. &nbsp;Therefore, in considering the Cosmos, in its activities and manifestations, we may now forget the deeper and more subtle metaphysical and philosophical terms which we have been compelled to consider--and, instead, let us see in universal operation and manifestation, a LIVING UNIVERSE OR COSMIC LIFE PRINCIPLE, ever moving, changing, flowing, evolving, proceeding, desiring, attaining, seeking, accomplishing. &nbsp;This is The Cosmic Will of the Arcane Teaching--possessing all the attributes and qualities of the Universal Being of the Pantheists, except that of Absoluteness; for greater than the human imagination can conceive it though it be, yet it is subordinate to, and ever under, THE LAW.</p>

<p>

Many philosophies have held that the universe is mental, in its last analysis, and that the Universal Mind is the reality behind the appearances. &nbsp;Others have held that the universe is merely an imagination, illusion, or dramatization, in the mind of a Supreme Being. &nbsp;But all of these conceptions use the terms "mind" or "mental" as something having no connection with material substance, the latter being an illusion. &nbsp;But the Arcane Teaching recognizes Substance as being as real and actual as Mind or Motion--the three being but aspects of the same thing--the Three Principles which are really One. &nbsp;And in giving to Substance and Motion equal places with Mind, the conception is seen to be rather more like a "World-Brain" than a "World-Mind," for like the brain it contains the principles of Substance, Motion and Consciousness. &nbsp;Thought is the product of these three-the action of Consciousness upon Substance, by means of the vibrations of Motion. &nbsp;As in the human brain, so in the Cosmic Brain--"as above, so below; as below, so above." &nbsp;From One know All. &nbsp;Substance and Motion are not illusions--they are co-equal with Mind, in reality and actuality. &nbsp;There can be no Mind without Substance and Motion; there can be no Substance without Mind and Motion; there can be no Motion without Mind and Substance. &nbsp;The "Three Principles" are always found together--in Everything the Three are found. There is no separateness in the Three Principles--there are and must be, always in combination. &nbsp;And this combination in the Cosmos, gives us that which may be called the World-Brain.</p>

<p>

In the Manifestation of the Cosmos there is exhibited an

infinitude of variety, degrees, shapes, form, and combinations

of the Three Principles. It almost staggers the imagination

to think of the fact that in the entire Cosmos there is never

a single instance of exact duplication—there are never two

things precisely alike. In view of this fact does it not seem folly

to endeavor to make human beings adhere to a common

standard—to fit into a common mould—to be cut from a

common pattern?<br />

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