Triangle (symbol): Difference between revisions

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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 (book)|''The Voice of the Silence'']], [[H. P. Blavatsky]] writes:  
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 (book)|''The Voice of the Silence'']], [[H. P. Blavatsky]] writes:  


<blockquote>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.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''The Voice of the Silence'' (Adyar, Madras: Theosophical Publishing House, 1992), Glosarry to Part 1, note 38.</ref></blockquote>
<blockquote>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.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''The Voice of the Silence'' (Adyar, Madras: Theosophical Publishing House, 1992), Glossary to Part 1, note 38.</ref></blockquote>


[[Morya|Mahatma M.]] is sometimes referred to with a triangle with dot in the middle.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. X (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 140-141.</ref>
This footnote was taken in part from the book ''Chinese Buddhism'', which actually includes the "other kind of triangle" mentioned:
 
<blockquote>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.<ref>Joseph Edkins, ''Chinese Buddhism'' (London: Trübner & Co., 1880), pp. 55-51.</ref></blockquote>
 
This symbol can be seen in the letters from the Masters and other early Theosophical writings. In addition, [[Morya|Mahatma M.]] is sometimes referred to with a triangle with dot in the middle.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. X (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 140-141.</ref>


Today several of these triangles have entered the public domain, so they don't always mean what they did, esoterically speaking.
Today several of these triangles have entered the public domain, so they don't always mean what they did, esoterically speaking.
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===Articles===
===Articles===
*[http://theosophytrust.org/tlodocs/articlesSymbol.php?d=TriangleThe_0380.html&p=180# The Triangle] at the Theosophy Trust website
*[http://theosophytrust.org/tlodocs/articlesSymbol.php?d=TriangleThe_0380.html&p=180# The Triangle] at the Theosophy Trust website
*[https://www.theosophy.world/encyclopedia/triangle-symbolism Triangle, Symbolism of] in Theosophy World


== Notes ==
== Notes ==

Latest revision as of 16:41, 12 February 2025




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

Notes

  1. Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, The Voice of the Silence (Adyar, Madras: Theosophical Publishing House, 1992), Glossary to Part 1, note 38.
  2. Joseph Edkins, Chinese Buddhism (London: Trübner & Co., 1880), pp. 55-51.
  3. Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Collected Writings vol. X (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 140-141.