Transactions of the Blavatsky Lodge of the Theosophical Society. Discussions on the stanzas of the first volume of The secret doctrine

...being, each of these must have its own conception of space. The same principle applies to matter. What we perceive as matter is not the same as what beings on other planes of existence perceive. Therefore, "Absolute Space" is actually a Plenum from Latin, meaning a space completely filled with matter or substance; the opposite of a vacuum or the Pleroma a Greek term meaning "fullness," used in Gnosticism to describe the totality of divine powers. It is the "Mother" described in The Secret Doctrine, the "Eternal Parent" wrapped in her "Ever-invisible Robes." This is the "Unknown Root" of all that exists.

Q. What is the meaning of the "Ever-invisible Robes"?

A. The "Robes" represent the Noumenon the "thing-in-itself"; the underlying reality that exists beyond human sensation and perception of undifferentiated cosmic matter. This is not matter as we understand it, but its spiritual essence. It is the Akasa a Sanskrit term for the "aether" or the subtle, spiritual essence that pervades all space of the ancient philosophers. This essence is eternal and remains even during the Pralaya a period of cosmic rest or "dissolution" between cycles of universal activity.

Q. Is this "Space" the same as the "Great Breath" mentioned in the Stanzas?

A. Not exactly. The "Great Breath" is the motion of the Root-Matter. You could say that "Absolute Space" is viewed here in its aspect of "Absolute Motion." It is the rhythmic pulse of the Universe, which is as eternal as Space itself. The "Great Breath" is the perpetual motion of the universe.

Q. We are told that "The Great Breath digs through Space in seven holes." What does this signify?

A. This refers to the seven planes of being and the seven states of consciousness. The "Breath" acts upon the primordial substance, differentiating it into various levels of density. This is the process of universal evolution.

Q. Is there any difference between "Space" and "Chaos"?

A. In the esoteric sense, "Chaos" is simply another name for "Space." It does not mean "disorder," but rather the "Void" or the "Abyss" of the Greeks. It is the "Container" of the seeds of the future Universe. original: "Chaos" from the Greek khaos, meaning "gaping void."