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A Treatise on Cosmic Fire - Section Two - Introductory Questions
VII. Why is the Progress of Evolution Cyclic? This question is one which necessarily appalls us and makes us wonder. Let us, therefore, deal with it as follows: Certain ideas are involved in the thought of cyclic progression, and these ideas it might pay us well to contemplate. 1. The Idea of Repetition This repetition involves the following factors: Repetition in time: The thought of cyclic activity necessitates periods of time of differing length - greater or lesser cycles - but (according to their length) of uniform degree. A manvantara, or Day of Brahma, is always of a certain length, and so is a mahamanvantara. The cycles wherein an atom of any plane revolves upon its axis are uniform on its own plane. Repetition in fact: This involves the idea of a key measure, or sound of any particular group of atoms that go to the composition of any particular form. This grouping of atoms will tend to the makeup of a particular series of circumstances and will repeat the measure or sound when an animating factor is brought to bear upon them. When the vitalizing force is contacting at stated periods a certain set of atoms, it will call forth from them a specific sound which will demonstrate objectively as environing circumstances. In other words, [274] the interplay of the Self and the not-self is invariably of a cyclic nature. The same quality in tone will be called forth by the Self as it indwells the form, but the key will ascend by gradual degrees. It is similar to the effect produced in striking the same note in different octaves, beginning at the base. Repetition in space: This concept is involved deep in the greater concept of karma, which is really the law that governs the matter of the solar system, and which commenced its work in earlier solar systems. We have, therefore, cycles in order, and repetition in an ever-ascending spiral, under definite law. The thoughts thus conveyed might be expressed likewise as follows: The solar system repeating its activity - Repetition in Space. A planetary chain repeating its activity - Repetition in Time. The constant consecutive reverberation of a plane note, of a subplane note, and of all that is called into objectivity by that note - Plane Repetition. The tendency of atoms to perpetuate their activity, and thus produce similarity of circumstance, of environment, and of vehicle - Form Repetition. When we carry these ideas on to every plane in the solar system, and from thence to the cosmic planes, we have opened up for ourselves infinitude.
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