Page:A Collection of Esoteric Writings.djvu/22

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  forces are in their unity represented by the Astral light.* 

Tula. When represented by numbers according to the method above alluded to, this word will be converted into 36. This sign, therefore, is evidently intended to represent the 36 Tatwams. (The number of Tatwams is different according to the views of different philosophers; but by Sâktêyás generally and by several of the ancient Rishis such as Agastya, Doorwása and Parasuráma, &c., the number of Tatwams has been stated to be 36). Jeevátma differs from Paramátma, or to state the same thing in other words, "Baddha" differs from "Mukta" † in being encased as it were within these 36 Tatwams, while the other is free. This sign prepares the way  