The Theosophists
believe that man will return time and again on the arc of ascent until he
reaches the Supreme Centre, where matter becomes as a spotless mirror, the
light of the spirit shines forth in the plenitude of its power, and essential
perfection is attained. However, those who have thoroughly investigated the
questions of divinity know of a certainty that the material worlds terminate at
the end of the arc of descent; that the station of man lies at the end of the
arc of descent and the beginning of the arc of ascent, which is opposite the
Supreme Centre; and that from the beginning to the end of the arc of ascent the
degrees of progress are of a spiritual nature. The arc of descent is called
that of “bringing forth” and the arc of ascent that of “creating anew”. The arc
of descent ends in material realities and the arc of ascent in spiritual
realities. The point of the compass in describing a circle does not reverse its
motion, for this would be contrary to the natural movement and the divine order
and would disrupt the regularity of the circle.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Table talks
in Akka, authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014
revised translation by the Baha’i World Centre)
