Article selection by K. P. Mukerji | Note by H.P.B.
The number 18, composed of seven and eleven, plays a conspicuous part in the Mahabharata, which is composed of 18 Parvas. The number eleven is sacred to the Rudras and is the number of destruction. In the Pindandam (Microcosm) as well as in the Brahmandam (Macrocosm), the battle between seven and eleven is being continually fought, with the result that seven eventually is victorious and totally destroys eleven.1
1. Here “seven” is a blind for the three higher Divine Principles, and “eleven” for the four lower principles—in man; i.e. 4 + 7 = 11.—Eds. [H.P.B.]