Triangle (symbol)
The Triangle as a symbol has been used in Theosophical literature with different meanings. Since triangles are the first geometrical figure, they often represent the foundation of manifestation.
A prominent symbolic meaning of the triangle is that of the Triad, of which there are several in Theosophical literature.
There are also a few types of triangles that can be found in Theosophical literature in connection with Mahatmas and disciples. They were traditionally used to designate different degrees of initiation. In a footnote in The Voice of the Silence, H. P. Blavatsky writes:
The △ is the sign of the high chelas, while another kind of triangle is that of high Initiates. It is the symbol "I" discoursed upon by Buddha and used by him as a symbol of the embodied form of Tathagata when released from the three methods of the Prajna.[1]
This footnote was taken in part from the book Chinese Buddhism, which actually includes the "other kind of triangle" mentioned:
In reply, the World's Honoured One discoursed on the symbol "I," written with three dots (∴) arranged as a triangle resting on its base. This he used as a symbol of the embodied form of Tathagata when released from the three methods of the Pradjna.[2]
This symbol can be seen in the letters from the Masters and other early Theosophical writings. In addition, Mahatma M. is sometimes referred to with a triangle with dot in the middle.[3]
Today several of these triangles have entered the public domain, so they don't always mean what they did, esoterically speaking.
Online resources
Articles
- The Triangle at the Theosophy Trust website
- Triangle, Symbolism of in Theosophy World
Notes
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, The Voice of the Silence (Adyar, Madras: Theosophical Publishing House, 1992), Glossary to Part 1, note 38.
- ↑ Joseph Edkins, Chinese Buddhism (London: Trübner & Co., 1880), pp. 55-51.
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Collected Writings vol. X (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 140-141.