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'''Space''' as an abstract metaphysical principle, is seen as one aspect of the [[Absolute Reality]] in the [[Theosophy|Theosophical]] literature.
'''Space''' is often conceived to consist of three linear dimensions in which objects and events occur.
 
In classical mechanics space is one of the few fundamental quantities in physics, which means it cannot be defined via other quantities because nothing more fundamental is known at the present.
 
Before Einstein's work on relativistic physics, time and space were viewed as independent dimensions. His discoveries showed that our space and time can be mathematically combined into one object, forming a boundless four-dimensional continuum known as "spacetime". In Einstein's general theory of relativity, it is postulated that space-time is geometrically distorted -curved- near to gravitationally significant masses.
 
In cosmology, it appears that space was created in the Big Bang, 13.7 billion years ago and has been expanding ever since very rapidly due to the Cosmic Inflation.
 
In [[Theosophy|Theosophical]] literature "space", when treated as an abstract metaphysical principle, is used as symbol for the [[Absolute Reality]] and actually seen as one aspect of it:
 
<blockquote>The One All is like Space—which is its only mental and physical representation on this Earth, or our plane of existence—neither an object of, nor a subject to, perception. Space is neither a “limitless void”, nor a “conditioned fulness”, but both: being, on the plane of absolute abstraction, the ever-incognisable Deity, which is void only to finite minds, and on that of mayavic perception, the Plenum, the absolute Container of all that is, whether manifested or unmanifested: it is, therefore, that ABSOLUTE ALL.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Secret Doctrine'' vol. I, (Wheaton, Ill: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 8</ref></blockquote>
 
== Absolute abstract space ==


In the Proem of [[The Secret Doctrine (book)|''The Secret Doctrine'']] [[H. P. Blavatsky]] says that the ultimate Reality is symbolised under two aspects, one of whis is "absolute abstract Space, representing bare subjectivity, the one thing which no human mind can either exclude from any conception, or conceive of by itself."<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Secret Doctrine'' vol. I, (Wheaton, Ill: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 14</ref>
In the Proem of [[The Secret Doctrine (book)|''The Secret Doctrine'']] [[H. P. Blavatsky]] says that the ultimate Reality is symbolised under two aspects, one of whis is "absolute abstract Space, representing bare subjectivity, the one thing which no human mind can either exclude from any conception, or conceive of by itself."<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Secret Doctrine'' vol. I, (Wheaton, Ill: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 14</ref>


<blockquote>The One All is like Space—which is its only mental and physical representation on this Earth, or our plane of existence—neither an object of, nor a subject to, perception. Space is neither a “limitless void”, nor a “conditioned fulness”, but both: being, on the plane of absolute abstraction, the ever-incognisable Deity, which is void only to finite minds, and on that of mayavic perception, the Plenum, the absolute Container of all that is, whether manifested or unmanifested: it is, therefore, that ABSOLUTE ALL.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Secret Doctrine'' vol. I, (Wheaton, Ill: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 8</ref></blockquote>
Thus, space is seen as the one eternal and immutable principle:


<blockquote>“What is that which was, is, and will be, whether there is a Universe or not; whether there be gods or none?” asks the esoteric Senzar Catechism. And the answer made is—SPACE.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Secret Doctrine'' vol. I, (Wheaton, Ill: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 9</ref></blockquote>
<blockquote>“What is that which was, is, and will be, whether there is a Universe or not; whether there be gods or none?” asks the esoteric Senzar Catechism. And the answer made is—SPACE.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Secret Doctrine'' vol. I, (Wheaton, Ill: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 9</ref></blockquote>

Revision as of 15:15, 6 April 2012

Space is often conceived to consist of three linear dimensions in which objects and events occur.

In classical mechanics space is one of the few fundamental quantities in physics, which means it cannot be defined via other quantities because nothing more fundamental is known at the present.

Before Einstein's work on relativistic physics, time and space were viewed as independent dimensions. His discoveries showed that our space and time can be mathematically combined into one object, forming a boundless four-dimensional continuum known as "spacetime". In Einstein's general theory of relativity, it is postulated that space-time is geometrically distorted -curved- near to gravitationally significant masses.

In cosmology, it appears that space was created in the Big Bang, 13.7 billion years ago and has been expanding ever since very rapidly due to the Cosmic Inflation.

In Theosophical literature "space", when treated as an abstract metaphysical principle, is used as symbol for the Absolute Reality and actually seen as one aspect of it:

The One All is like Space—which is its only mental and physical representation on this Earth, or our plane of existence—neither an object of, nor a subject to, perception. Space is neither a “limitless void”, nor a “conditioned fulness”, but both: being, on the plane of absolute abstraction, the ever-incognisable Deity, which is void only to finite minds, and on that of mayavic perception, the Plenum, the absolute Container of all that is, whether manifested or unmanifested: it is, therefore, that ABSOLUTE ALL.[1]

Absolute abstract space

In the Proem of The Secret Doctrine H. P. Blavatsky says that the ultimate Reality is symbolised under two aspects, one of whis is "absolute abstract Space, representing bare subjectivity, the one thing which no human mind can either exclude from any conception, or conceive of by itself."[2]

Thus, space is seen as the one eternal and immutable principle:

“What is that which was, is, and will be, whether there is a Universe or not; whether there be gods or none?” asks the esoteric Senzar Catechism. And the answer made is—SPACE.[3]

Notes

  1. Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Secret Doctrine vol. I, (Wheaton, Ill: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 8
  2. Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Secret Doctrine vol. I, (Wheaton, Ill: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 14
  3. Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Secret Doctrine vol. I, (Wheaton, Ill: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 9