Theosophy, Besant and Leadbeater
Pure Affection in Thought-Forms
Figure 8 is described as a revolving cloud of pure affection, arising in peaceful delight at the presence of a friend. The authors distinguish this pleasant feeling from a directed force capable of definite results; its cloud remains a gentle surrounding presence.
Also known as Unselfish Affection Cloud
Loading your archive…
In the sources
Account in the source
ReportedFigure 8 is described as a revolving cloud of pure affection, arising in peaceful delight at the presence of a friend.
Further detail
ReportedThe authors distinguish this pleasant feeling from a directed force capable of definite results; its cloud remains a gentle surrounding presence.
Context & interpretation
The cloud is the authors’ claimed perception and illustrated metaphor, not an independently observed emotional object. The linked plate includes another affection form for comparison; this entry concerns figure 8. Its colours and effects do not provide a validated way to assess anyone’s feelings.
Original passages
Source 1
Thought-Forms
a revolving cloud of pure affectionOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Besant and Leadbeater, Thought-Forms, active reader leaf 23
Checked against the active prepared edition; reader leaf and original-page mapping verified, spacing normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0021-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0021-E001-P0023
- Original scan leaf
- 22
- Recorded leaf number
- 23
- Current Reader position
- 23
- Reader verification
- Matches the reviewed Reader
- Location review
- Original scan location confirmed against the reviewed Reader mapping; the earlier recorded number is retained above.
Source 2
Thought-Forms
there is in it no force capable of producing definite resultsOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Besant and Leadbeater, Thought-Forms, active reader leaf 24
Checked against the active prepared edition; reader leaf and original-page mapping verified, spacing normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0021-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0021-E001-P0024
- Original scan leaf
- 23
- Recorded leaf number
- 24
- Current Reader position
- 24
- Reader verification
- Matches the reviewed Reader
- Location review
- Original scan location confirmed against the reviewed Reader mapping; the earlier recorded number is retained above.
Illustrations
Continue exploring
Thought-forms
The coloured shapes that Besant and Leadbeater describe as expressions of thought and feeling.
Same subject and traditionHigh Ambition in Thought-Forms
The directed orange form used to distinguish ambition for useful work from ambition for personal acquisition.
Same subject and traditionJealousy in Thought-Forms
The watchful, snake-like form that changes as jealousy becomes mixed with anger.
Same subject and traditionProtective Love in Thought-Forms
The wing-like form that Besant and Leadbeater associate with affection, peace and a wish to protect another person.