H.P.B’s Diagram of Meditation

Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (HBP)

[This diagram is usually presented in a form which is very difficult to reproduce in HTML. For the picture version see for instance "The Inner Group Teachings of H.P. Blavatsky", Compiled and Annotated by Henk J. Spierenburg, published by Point Loma Publications, Second Edition, 1995, p. 221 - There is a good discussion by Roger Price of this diagram on my website, as well as one by Pablo Sender ]

First conceive of UNITY by Expansion in space and infinite in Time.
(Either with or without self-identification).

Then meditate logically and consistently on this in reference to states of consciousness.
Then the normal state of our consciousness must be moulded by:-

Acquisitions

The Perception in all embodied beings of Limitation only.

Criticism without praise or blame

Continued attempt at attitude of mind to all existing things, which is neither love, hate nor indifference

Different in external activity to each, because in each the capacity alters. Mentally the same to all.

Equilibrium and constant calm. Greater ease in practicing the “virtues”, which are really the outcome of wisdom, for benevolence, sympathy, justice, etc., arise from the intuitive identification of the individual with others, although unknown to the personality.

Perpetual Presence in imagination in all Space and Time.

From this originates a substratum of memory which does not cease in dreaming or waking. Its manifestation is courage.

With memory of universality all dread vanishes during the dangers and trials of life.

Note: Acquisition is complete with the conception “I am all space and time”. Beyond that …… (it cannot be said).

Deprivations

Constant refusal to think of the reality of:

Sensation

Gluttony, Lust, etc.

Possessions and Personality

Vanity, Remorse, Greed, Selfishness, Ambition

The Distinction Friend and Foe

Resulting in absence of anger and bias (Replaced by Judgement)

Separations and Meetings Associations with Places, Times and Forms.

Futile longings, Expectations, Sad memories, Broken-heartedness.

Note: These deprivations are produced by the perpetual imagination – without self-delusion* - of “I am without”; the recognition of their being the source of bondage, ignorance and strife.
“Deprivation” is completed by the meditation: I am without attributes”.

*) There is no risk of self-delusion if the personality is deliberately forgotten.

General Note: All the passions and virtues interblend with each other. Therefore the diagram gives only general hints.