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Preface
5 Planes of Existence
Introduction
Five Planes of Manifestation
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JUDAS ISCARIOT
This symbol of one of the twelve disciplined
qualities of the soul signifies the lowest of these qualities, -the
quality that happens to be the least raised of all of them. It
becomes, therefore, the symbol of limitation,-the lowest point, on
which the superstructure of the higher nature is built up from. In
the process of involution of Spirit into matter, it is the Highest
which descends to the lowest; but in the present process of
evolution it is Spirit that ascends from the lowest point to the
Highest. This lowest point, then, "Judas," contains the potentiality
of all things evolutional. It signifies the condition of absolute
limitation, which seems nothingness from the physical or lower-mind
standpoint, but from the Spiritual side it implies all-being.
Limitation (Saturn) is thus the symbol of its direct antithesis,
illimitability, and its visible sign. So it is that the germinal
point (·)—the least element in the production of form,-becomes the
fitting symbol of Life everlasting. In other terms, the quality
"Judas " interiorly symbolizes that state whence blossoms perfection
or finality. Superficially, "Judas " may stand for prudence changing
to contrition.
“And as they were eating, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, that
one of you shall betray me." - MATTHEW xxvi. 21.
“The Christ-soul knew that the lower nature was not yet completely
purified, hence his accusation of one of the qualities. Had the
lower nature been completely purified there was no need for the
anguish which was to be experienced at the crossing over. The
connection between the cross and the "betrayal " seems to be
obscure, yet there is a vital connection between them. The “cross”
is the symbol of matter upon which the Christ-soul was, as it were,
"crucified," and "Judas" is a symbol of limitation which is at once
the lowest and the foundation of the Highest. Thus the least-raised
quality in the soul is a symbol of matter on which the Spirit is
offered up.
“What is natural is the ultimate or lowest form of existence, in
which things spiritual and celestial come to a termination, and upon
which they rest, like a house upon its foundation." - SWEDENBORG, On
the White Horse, p. 45.
"Thus the number thirteen, which on the earthly plane, and before
the Crucifixion,' is, through the treachery of 'Judas,' the symbol
of imperfection and ill-fortune, becomes, in the 'Kingdom of the
Father,' the symbol of perfection." - The Perfect Way, p. 247.
The first drop issuing from a bottom tap in a barrel full of water
may be taken as the first limited manifestation of the truth within,
and therefore the foundation of the actual which gradually evolves
to perfection as the potential (water in barrel) externalizes to
completion. Judas " may signify the lowest drop at any stage of the
process, and the lower limitation of the higher which is to follow.
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