The Moral Triangle

  1. Introduction
  2. Ruach and its S’phirot
  3. The Ruach Hakodesh
  4. Astrology and the planets of Ruach
  5. The Chakras of Ruach
  6. Ruach and the 3rd Noble Truth
  7. Conclusion
  8. References

 

  1. Introduction

This assignment describes the Moral Triangle of Ruach in more detail. It also covers the astrology and Chakras associated with this triangle, the energies of which have a renewing affect on ourselves and the world around us.

This is love in the spiritual sense of the word. If integration of societies and inner parts with in the self is healing, then the energies described by the moral triangle are the integrating function.

  1. Ruach and its S’phirot

Fig 1. Moral Triangle of Ruach

The nature of Ruach is pranic energy that gives one the sense of being lifted up. This is the opposite of apana, which pulls one down[1] like the Earth’s gravitation field pulls us downwards . These are actual inner experiences.

The word “Ruach” comes from the Hebrew meaning “spirit”, “wind”, “breath”, or “air”. The Greek equivalent is “pneuma” and the Latin is “spiritus”[2].

When awareness is at the level of Infinite Love, Ruach, it is perceived that the finite is contained within the infinite. The paradox of physical existence becomes apparent, we are like a coin: the one side finite, the area of the ego, personality and physical world and on the other side infinite, the area of the Ruach. The Moral Triangle is thus Infinite Love.

The S’phirot of the Ruach are Chesed, G’vurah and Tipheret, which mean Loving Kindness and Compassion, Moral Strength and Beauty respectively. The state of balance achieved in Tipheret is beauty, a quality one begins to perceive in the world around us as we experience the manifestation and effect of this energy.

It is called the Moral triangle because the energies of these S’phirot serve as the ethical basis of the universe. The functions of G’vurah acting as a check and restraint to the expansive nature of Chesed, in pop psychology this would be called “tough love”. Its essence is Justice for All, Discipline and Moral Courage.

The combustion chamber of an engine acts as a constraint to the explosive energy of the fuel, which is channeled into moving the pistons of the engine. A comparison can be drawn between these opposing S’phirot of any triangle, in this triangle G’vurah acts as the restraint to Chesed.

It is important to note that the lower frequencies of Tipheret phase into the upper frequences of Netzach, thus integrating the Moral and Mundane triangles. These energies unite together in the maniphurah chakra.

  1. The Ruach Hakodesh

The biblical authors and prophets wrote that all miracles and prophecy where the act of what they called the Ruach Hakodesh. A direct translation of these words is Holy Spirit, but a more meaningful interpretation is Universal Love Energy. It is this aspect of the Universal Energy represented by the Moral Triangle of Ruach (Sanskrit = Atman).

When we tune into the energies of the Moral Triangle we use the Anahata Chakra and the upper aspect of the Manipurah Chakra. The qualities, abilities and resources of Mercy, Strength, Courage, Integration and Balance would become available to us and also radiated to those around us. To activate the chakras that tune us into the energies of the Celestial and Moral triangle balances the entire energy system of chakras.

4. Astrology and the planets of Ruach

Jupiter is associated with Chesed and is said to be the greater benefic.

Astrologically Jupiter is associated with the principles of growth, expansion, prosperity and good fortune; and a person’s inner sense of justice and morality and their ideals and higher goals. Jupiter governs long distance and foreign travel, higher education, religion and the law. It is also associated with the urge for freedom and exploration, humanitarian and protecting roles, and with gambling and merrymaking or ‘joviality'[3].

Mars is associated with G’vurah and is said to be the lesser malefic. In Kabbalah, G’vurah (and therefore Mars) is a part of the feminine pillar of Austerity. As stated in an earlier assignment, this is probably because it responds to the law and compassion created in Chesed. This receptiveness and responsiveness is considered to be a feminine quality in esoterica. Again, if the military are a force in their own right, society becomes a dictatorship or police state. The military and police force, represented by G’vurah, should only ever respond and enforce the law and compassion of Chesed.

Astrologically Mars is associated with confidence and self assertion, aggression, sexuality, energy, strength, ambition, and impulsiveness. Mars governs sports, competitions and physical activities in general. Mars is the passionate impulse and action, the masculine aspect, and this goes beyond sex into your drive, discipline, will-power and stamina[4].

The sun is associated with T’pheret.

Astrologically the sun is usually thought to represent the conscious ego, the self and its expression, personal power, pride and authority; leadership qualities; and the principles of creativity, spontaneity, health and vitality; the life force. The sun also involves creative enterprises that are a projection of the person, from art and business to having children and parenthood (especially fatherhood)[5].

Tipheret’s phasing into Netzach (and visa versa) is expressed in astrology by the sun as well: “It [the sun] also rules the fun side of life from sport and recreation to holidays and social events. In short, any occasion that ‘allows us to shine’”[5].

  1. The Chakras of Ruach

Anahata and Maniphurah chakras tune the energy-field into the Moral Triangle of Ruach. The upper extension of Anahata chakra are associated with the lower frequencies of Binah, and of Chesed and G’vurah themselves. The upper energies of Maniphurah phase into Tipheret.

I believe the association of G’vurah with the Vishudda chakra is incorrect. I had a dream that illustrated this: “I was doing G’vurah pranayama on Vishudda chakra. That night I dreamed a boy held a hand-grenade to his neck and was about to blow his head off.”

  1. Ruach and the 3rd Noble Truth

The 3rd Noble Truth in Buddhism (There is a way that leads to the end of all suffering) states that the extinction of desire, or non-attachment results in the extinction of suffering. The sense of wholeness and wellbeing that arises from an awareness at the level of Ruach collapses old, limiting programmes that play in the unconscious mind and cause suffering.

These limiting programmes and thus behaviours are due to experiences we have had when we lack awareness of the higher consciousness. Experiences create programmes (The word Karma has its root in the word action, which implies experience). Negative, limiting programmes are effectively released when the energy-field is exposed to the energies of Ruach and beyond.

7. Conclusion

Becoming aware of life at the level of Ruach is crucial if we are to move beyond limiting behaviour patterns on a personal and collective level.

  1. References

[1] Avalon, Arthur; The Serpent Power

[2] Wikipedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruach

[3] Wikipedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planets_in_astrology#Jupiter

[4] Wikipedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planets_in_astrology#Mars

[5] Wikipedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planets_in_astrology#Sun