About the Book
Volume II is a microscopic exposition of the complete constitution and nature of the human being. As such, its purpose is to extend considerably the scope of Volume I on this subject. Here the author progresses well beyond general remarks about body, soul, and spirit, or mind and consciousness, in favour of an in-depth exposition of the subtle (i.e., non-physical) bodies of the human being on all levels from the spiritual to the physical. Establishment science in its current paradigmatic state of limitation, circumscribed by the five physical senses, obviously has nothing to proclaim about the subtle bodies-and so should desist from attempting to deny their validity. However, since time immemorial, the sages and hierophants of the Mystery Schools, and all cultures world-wide, have provided unassailable evidence about the geography and contours of the inner constitution of human beings, something which has also been intuited by scientists with an awakened mystical faculty. To this end, in order to show their commonality, the author draws mainly upon the profound occult doctrines expressed in a modern scientific format through the nexus with the modern Theosophical Society, but also from other great centres of learning, supported, whenever possible, by the work of legendary scientists (like Sir William Crookes, OM PRS and Erwin Schroedinger, FRS) who have progressed far beyond the confines of purely materialistic concepts.
This Volume is written in three sections and is copiously illustrated and referenced. The Prefatory sets the scene by briefly reviewing the message of Volume I focussing on the fundamental question of who, or what is a human being, and what is meant by mind and consciousness from the standpoints of science and occult science. The first section, spanning Chapters 1 to 5, comprises major expositions from occult science on the composition of the human being, i.e., his constitution and nature. Such understanding provides the foundation for explaining death in terms of a change of state of consciousness, and not its extinction, as almost singularly promulgated by science. Accordingly, the dynamics of the cyclical transitional process, involving death, after-death states, and subsequent reincarnation is explained and justified, along with related phenomena such as apparitions. The second section, covering Chapters 6 and 7, commences by clarifying common misconceptions. This is followed by a comprehensive exposition on a major theme of this volume: justifying why the human being cannot be thought of merely as a bio-physical machine, nor the human mind equated with the brain which, in turn, cannot be regarded, even in principle, as 'just a computer'.
The third section, comprising Chapter 8, draws together teachings from a wide range of sources, ancient and modern, from the East and the West, specifically to demonstrate their common origin in the perennial philosophy. Lastly, the Coda is a rather novel way of summarizing the contents of Volume II and leading on to Volume III.
Volume II closes with three appendices. Appendix A provides robust evidence from numerous academic, peer-reviewed scientific journals in support of the existence of an ether-a precept of occult science-which has supposedly been disproved for all time by mainstream science on the basis of the 1887 Michelson-Morley experiment. Appendix B supplies more details about the function and role of the mysterious bridge that connects the two levels of the mind. Appendix C discusses the common tendency of spiritual societies to adopt a conformist mindset and how this serious bar to progress can be avoided.
This Volume also makes the case that occult science, comprising the wisdom of all ages, is unavoidably an enormous subject. Thus, it demands a holistic approach based on universality of enquiry. Hence, a one-track purist approach is neither sensible nor true to the spirit of the esoteric and occult tradition. This is the reason for stressing the importance of teachings from other great streams of learning not directly connected with the Theosophical Society, whilst showing their confluence and nuanced differences with the latter, entirely in harmony with its Second Object: 'To encourage the comparative study of religion, philosophy and science.'
About the Author :
Born in India and educated at the universities of London, Sussex and Oxford, Edi Bilimoria presents an unusual blend of experience in the fields of science, arts and philosophy.
Professionally, Edi is an award-winning engineer and consultant to the petrochemical, oil and gas, transport, and construction industries. He has been Project Manager and Head of Design for major innovative projects such as the Channel Tunnel, London Underground systems, petrochemical plants and offshore installations. He also worked in safety and environmental engineering for several Royal Navy projects, including the Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier and the fleet of Offshore Patrol Vessels.
A student of the perennial philosophy for over half a century, Edi has given courses and lectured extensively in the UK, and internationally in California, The Netherlands, India and Australia. He has organized and chaired conferences with the object of encouraging discourse on the different, but overlapping, roles of science, religion and practical philosophy. He worked as Education Manager for the Theosophical Society in Australia developing courses and study papers, researching, lecturing and organizing international conferences; as well as supervising the Research Library, National Media Library, National Members Lending Library and the development of the website.
Edi has published extensively in the fields of science, engineering and the esoteric philosophy. His book The Snake and the Rope was awarded a prize by the Scientific and Medical Network on which he now serves as a Board Director.
Review :
"I know of no other work of such scope and depth relating to the ultimate questions raised by human existence both in terms of our origins and destiny." David Lorimer is Chair of the Galileo Commission and International Programme Director of the Scientific and Medical Network, Editor of Paradigm Explorer. ; "It is refreshing to read a masterly study of consciousness written by an author who roots their arguments in a profound grasp of esoteric wisdom." B Les Lancaster, Professor Emeritus of Transpersonal Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University and Director, the Alef Trust.; "This book presents a comprehensive, lucid and well-written overview, with careful attention to detail and yet full of far-ranging and potentially transformative ideas." Rupert Sheldrake PhD, biologist and author of The Science Delusion
