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THE PRACTICAL PATH.
the nature of Indra in The Key of Knowledge, and shall also describe it here later on; but Surya is the symbol of omniscience, (kevala jñana) and Agni of the 'fire' of asceticism. Thus, the three principal deities of the Vedic rishis are symbolical of the three different aspects of spirit, Surya representing it in its natural effulgence, Indra depicting it as the lord and enjoyer of matter, and Agni standing for its sin-destroying characteristics to be developed under the influence of asceticism. The three legs of Agni indicate the threefold nature of tapa (asceticism) relating to mind, speech and body, while his seven arms indicate the seven occult forces conceived to be lying dormant in the seven chakras (plexuses) of the body. The ram, the favourite mount of the god, is a symbol of lower personality (see The Key of Knowledge, chapters VIII and IX) which is to be sacrificed for the glorification of the higher Self. The 'pieces of wood 'which give birth to Agni represent the physical body and the material organ of mind which are both consumed before the final emancipation. As the pure natural qualities of the soul are brought into manifestation through the fire of tapa, Agni is described as the priest of gods who appear at his invocation. Finally, Agni (tapa) is also to take the soul to the region of the ancestors (Nirvana) where it shall dwell for ever in the enjoyment of peace and wisdom and happiness.
Such is the nature of Agni, the youthful priest of the gods. He is not a being but an impersonation; and the impersonation is not of the physical fire, as the European translators of the Vedas have
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