Theos-Talk Archives (May 1996 Message tl00393)

Doss:

[writing to JRC]

>It does not take a genius or learned pundit to open their eyes
> and see what is going on around the world. There is continual
>wars of all kinds going on. People kill other people for politics,
>religion, nationalism, you name it. Look at all the refugees all
>over the world. Look also at the exploitation that goes in various
>facets of all our lives. Greed and corruption and exploitation of
>those who really need to be protected and cared for by those who
>are with more knowledge etc.

You're right and stating the obvious when you mention the
warfare, greed, corruption, and exploitation that exists in
the world. And the world would be a better place if we could
help to eliminate them. But you avoid the question of what
is the doctrine of "Universal Brotherhood" and how does it
fit in with the other theosophical doctrines. And also avoided
is the question of how *all* the doctrines apply to making
the world a better place.

We need peace, self-control in our needs, honesty, and a
willingness to treat people fairly. These and many other
moral, ethical qualities are needed if our world is to
improve. But the ability to understand and practice ethics
is something that arises *from within*, and not imposed
externally by some social or political program. The need
to externally impose some minimal socially-acceptable
behavior is only needed for criminals, misfits, the mentally
ill, or people otherwise unable to make the grade and be
an ordinary, contributing member of society.

>An ounce of application of Universal Brotherhood will go a
>long way.

A better term would be "a conscious practice of the
bodhisattva vow would go a long way." We're expected
to rise above our selfish natures and to be of benefit
to other sentient beings.

>Can one person solve all world's problems. Certainly
>not. Can each one of us do something about it in our
>own lives. Yes we can. If more and more of us
>become sensitive to these issues with Universal Brotherhood
>as the backbone, then gradually we can exponentially affect
>all those with whom we come into contact in our daily life
>as well as not be involved in any activity which
>is hurtful from the point of Universal Brotherhood.

I agree with all you've said here. But since there are
many ideas and implications behind the doctrine of "Universal
Brotherhood", like compassion, service to others, harmlessness,
etc., we need to explore what it is, and not remain
satisfied to let it remain an inarticulate keyword or phrase.

>Am I crying in the wilderness? May be? If we do not recognize
>the idea of Universal Brotherhood, then what are our goals
>and how are they going to affect other living beings?

You're not crying in the wilderness. But you may feel more
alone than you need to be, if you fail to recognize the
same approach to bettering the world carried on by others
under a different banner.

>This is a question each one of us can ask and try to find
>an answer.

It comes back to a very basic question: How can I be of the
best benefit to life, to all sentient beings? Some people
may find it appropriate to study, meditate, and deal with
small numbers of people they meet in their day-to-day lives.
Others may feel drawn to grander plans that grab the attention
of millions of people. Which is better? Neither -- any
approach that is true to one's best judgment and conscience
is equally appropriate and good to the world. We need, I
think, to leave behind that narrowness of mind that would
say: "Here is my way to make the world better, and if you
won't follow it and do as I say, you are a bad person,
selfish, and lacking in compassion for others!" Instead,
we need greater sensitivity to our own inner calling.

-- Eldon