while the true perception of the Manas is that enlightened belief which is the real meaning of the word “faith.”  This belief should at the same time be accompanied by knowledge, i.e., experience, for “true knowledge brings with it faith.”  Faith is the perception of the Manas (the fifth principle), while knowledge, in the true sense of the term, is the capacity of the Intellect, i.e., it is spiritual perception.  In short, the individuality of man, composed of his higher Manas, the sixth and the seventh principle, should work as a unity, and then only can it obtain “divine wisdom,” for divine things can be sensed only by divine faculties.  Thus a chela should be actuated solely by a desire to understand the operations of the Law of Cosmic Evolution, so as to be able to work in conscious and harmonious accord with Nature.

—­Anon.

The Brahmanical Thread

I. The general term for the investiture of this thread is Upanayana; and the invested is called Upanita, which signifies brought or drawn near (to one’s Guru), i.e., the thread is the symbol of the wearer’s condition.

II.  One of the names of this thread is Yajna-Sutra.  Yajna means Brahma, or the Supreme Spirit, and Sutra the thread, or tie.  Collectively, the compound word signifies that which ties a man to his spirit or god.  It consists of three yarns twisted into one thread, and three of such threads formed and knotted into a circle.  Every Theosophist knows what a circle signifies and it need not be repeated here.  He will easily understand the rest and the relation they have to mystic initiation.  The yarns signify the great principle of “three in one, and one in three,” thus:—­The first trinity consists of Atma which comprises the three attributes of Manas, Buddhi, and Ahankara (the mind, the intelligence, and the egotism).  The Manas again, has the three qualities of Satva, Raja, and Tama (goodness, foulness, and darkness).  Buddhi has the three attributes of Pratyaksha, Upamiti and Anumiti (perception, analogy, and inference).  Ahankara also has three attributes, viz., Jnata, Jneya, and Jnan (the knower, the known, and the knowledge).

III.  Another name of the sacred thread is Tri-dandi.  Tri means three, and Danda, chastisement, correction, or conquest.  This reminds the holder of the three great “corrections” or conquests he has to accomplish.  These are:—­(1) the Vakya Sanyama;* (2) the Manas Sanyama; and (3) the Indriya (or Deha) Sanyama.  Vakya is speech, Manas, mind, and Deha (literally, body) or Indriya, is the senses.  The three conquests therefore mean the control over one’s speech, thought, and action.