Theos-Talk Archives (October 1995 Message tl00610)

In a message dated 95-10-30 22:56:34 EST, you write:

> We're at a disadvantage in Theosophy, having
>a body of doctrines to think about, but no formulated,
>tried-and-proved practice to undertake. We're akin to Olympic
>hopefuls with no coach to train us nor gym to work out in. What do
>we do? We improvise and do the best that we can, until we catch
>the attention of someone who would train us, and doors start to
>open in our lives

The problem lies in humanities inability or unwillingness to think for
themselves and see where the application of doctrine leads them. So many
want a "Do this" rule, but in Theosophy each must determine the appropriate
action for themselves. I don't see this as a disadvantage as much as an
opportunity to learn, which is what Theosophy tells us life is all about. A
knowledge of Theosophy is the ultimate advantage. Life is the gym we workout
in. Our coach is our higher self, the "still small voice of conscience.

We have been given guidelines, though, and these are fairly succinctly stated
in HPB's, KEY TO THEOSOPHY, from which all the following have been taken:

"Because the final goal cannot be reached in any way but through life
experiences, and because the bulk of these consist in pain and suffering. It
is only through the latter that we can learn." p. 227

". . . because our philosophy teaches us that the object of doing our duties
to all men and to ourselves the last, is not the attainment of personal
happiness, but of the happiness of others; fulfilment of right for the sake
of right, not for what it may bring us." p.228

quoting Peter, "Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another; love
as brethren be pitiful, be courteous; not rendering evil for evil, or
railing; but contrariwise, blessing," p.229

"Duty is that which IS DUE to Humanity, to our fellow-men, neightbours,
family, and especially that which we owe to all those who are poorre and more
helpless than we are ourselves. . . . Theosophy is the quintessence of DUTY."
P.229

". . . our duty is to drink without a murmur to the last drop, whatever
contents the cup of life may have in store for us, to pluck the roses of life
only for the fragrance they may shed on others, and to be ourselves content
but with the thorns, if that fragrance cannot be enjoyed without depriving
someone else of it." p.230

To the question, "What do you consider as due to humanity at large?", HPB
answers, "Full recongintion of equal rights and privilieges for all, and
without distinction of race, colour, social position, or birth." p.230

". . . it is only by all men becoming brothers and all women sisters, and by
all practising in their daily lives true brotherhood and true sisterhood,
that the real human solidarity, which lies at the root of the elevation of
the race, can ever be attained." p.234

"Every Theosophist, therefore, is bound to do his utmost to help on, by all
the means in his power, every wise and well-considered social effort which
has for its object the amelioration of the condition of the poor." p.235

" . . . by inculcating those higher and nobler conceptions of public and
private duties which lie at the root of all spiritual and material
improvement." p 236

"In helping on the development of others, the Theosophist believes that he is
not only helping them to fulfil their Karma, but that he is also, in the
strictest sense, fulfilling his own." p. 236

"It is the development of Humanitiy, of which both he and they are integral
parts, that he has always in view, and he knows that any failure on his part
to respond to the highest within him retards not only himself but all, in
their progressive march. By his actions, he can make it either more
difficult or more easy for humanity to attain the next higher plane of
being." p.236

"Every mean and selfish action sends us backward and not forward, while every
noble thought and every unselfish deed are stepping-stones to the higher and
more glorious planes of being." p. 237

To the question, "Is equal justice . . . the highest standard of Theosophy?"
HPB responds, "No; there is an even far higher one . . . The giving to others
more than to oneself -- SELF-SACRIFICE." p. 237

To the question, "Then you regard self-sacrifice as a duty?" HPB responds,
"We do; and explain it by showing that altruism is an integral part of
self-development." p. 239

"The first of the Theosophical duties is to do one's duty by ALL men. . . "
p. 240

To the question, "And what may be the duty of a Theosophist to himself?" HPB
responds, "To purify himself inwardly and morally; to fear no one, and nought
save the tribunal of his own conscience. Never to do a thing by halves; i.e.
if he thinks it the right thing to do, let him do it openly and boldly, and
if wrong, never touch it at all. It is the duty of a Theosophist to lighten
his burden by thinking of the wise aphorism of Epictetus, who says: "Be not
diverted from your duty by any idle reflection the silly world may make upon
you, for their censure are not in your power, and consequently should not be
any part of your concern." p.241

"The Theosophical ideas of charity mean PERSONAL exertion for others;
PERSONAL mercy and kindness; PERSONAL interest in the welfare of those who
suffer; PERSONAL sympathy, forethought and assistance in their troubles or
needs." p. 244

I'm running out of room, but the following pages continue the general drift
outlined above. It is because of the perceived difficulty of "Living the
Life" that one participant has said membership is dwindling. HPB provides
clear and ample instructions, "tried and true practices to undertake." DUTY,
CHARITY, SELFLESSNESS are the real rules. Most people would rather know how
many candles to light, or how many times a day to pray, or how long to chant
and meditate. These rituals are not the essence of Theosophy. We are left
to our own discrimination and judgement in carrying out our daily lives along
these general lines. If we err, we suffer the consequences and LEARN. Would
any of us really have it any other way? I would argue that if we do the
above, "doors will open in our lives." None other can do it for us.