Text of Resolutions passed by the General Council of the Theosophical Society
Freedom of Thought As the Theosophical Society has spread far and wide over the world, and as members of all religions have become members of it without surrendering the special dogmas, teachings and beliefs of their re- spective faiths, it is thought desirable to emphasize the fact that there is no doctrine, no opinion, by whomsoever taught or held, that is in any way binding on any member of the Society, none which any member is not free to accept or reject. Approval of its three Objects is the sole condition of membership. No teacher, or writer, from H. P. Blavatsky onwards, has any authority to impose his or her teachings or opinions on members. Every member has an equal right to follow any school of thought, but has no right to force the choice on any other. Neither a candidate for any office nor any voter can be rendered ineligible to stand or to vote, because of any opinion held, or because of membership in any school of thought. Opinions or beliefs neither bestow privileges nor inflict penalties. The Members of the General Council earnestly request every member of the Theosophical Society to maintain, defend and act upon these fundamental principles of the Society, and also fearlessly to exercise the right of liberty of thought and of expression thereof, within the limits of courtesy and consideration for others. Freedom of the Society The Theosophical Society, while cooperating with all other bodies whose aims and activities make such cooperation possible, is and must remain an organization entirely independent of them, not committed to any objects save its own, and intent on developing its own work on the broadest and most inclusive lines, so as to move towards its own goal as indicated in and by the pursuit of those objects and that Divine Wisdom which in the abstract is implicit in the title ‘The Theosophical Society’. Since Universal Brotherhood and the Wisdom are undefined and unlimited, and since there is complete freedom for each and every member of the Society in thought and action, the Society seeks ever to maintain its own distinctive and unique character by remaining free of affiliation or identification with any other organization.
VOL. 142 NO. 4 JANUARY 2021
CONTENTS
Presidential Address 5 Tim Boyd The Power of Renewal 19 Linda Oliveira Sixty Years of Theosophy — I 26 Gabriel Burgos Fragments of the Ageless Wisdom 31 Imagining Theosophy for the Future 32 Catalina Isaza Cantor Emerson on the Over-Soul and The Secret Doctrine — I 36 Cary Gardner International Directory 40
Editor: Mr Tim Boyd
NOTE: Articles for publication in The Theosophist should be sent to:
Cover: Sacred geometry mandala by artist/poet Joma Sipe's Soul of Light: Works of Illumination, "Inspired Messages" chapter, message 3, p. 121. Panel in silver and gold ink and crystals on black paper, 2009. (See corresponding message for this image on p. 39 of this issue.) ______This journal is the official organ of the President, founded by H. P. Blavatsky on 1 Oct. 1879. The Theosophical Society is responsible only for official notices appearing in this journal.
3 THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY Founded 17 November 1875 President: Mr Tim Boyd Vice-President: Dr Deepa Padhi Secretary: Ms Marja Artamaa Treasurer: Ms Nancy Secrest Headquarters: ADYAR, CHENNAI (MADRAS) 600 020, INDIA Vice-President: [email protected] Secretary: [email protected] Treasurer: [email protected] Adyar Library and Research Centre: [email protected] Theosophical Publishing House: [email protected] // www.adyarbooks.com Editorial Office: [email protected], Website: http://www.ts-adyar.org
The Theosophical Society is composed of students, belonging to any religion in the world or to none, who are united by their approval of the Society’s Objects, by their wish to remove religious antagonisms and to draw together men of goodwill, whatsoever their religious opinions, and by their desire to study religious truths and to share the results of their studies with others. Their bond of union is not the profession of a common belief, but a common search and aspiration for Truth. They hold that Truth should be sought by study, by reflection, by purity of life, by devotion to high ideals, and they regard Truth as a prize to be striven for, not as a dogma to be imposed by authority. They consider that belief should be the result of individual study or intuition, and not its antecedent, and should rest on knowledge, not on assertion. They extend tolerance to all, even to the intolerant, not as a privilege they bestow but as a duty they perform, and they seek to remove ignorance, not punish it. They see every religion as an expression of the Divine Wisdom and prefer its study to its condemnation, and its practice to proselytism. Peace is their watchword, as Truth is their aim. Theosophy is the body of truths which forms the basis of all religions, and which cannot be claimed as the exclusive possession of any. It offers a philosophy which renders life intelligible, and which demonstrates the justice and the love which guide its evolution. It puts death in its rightful place, as a recurring incident in an endless life, opening the gateway to a fuller and more radiant existence. It restores to the world the Science of the Spirit, teaching man to know the Spirit as himself and the mind and body as his servants. It illuminates the scriptures and doctrines of religions by unveiling their hidden meanings, and thus justifying them at the bar of intelligence, as they are ever justified in the eyes of intuition. Members of the Theosophical Society study these truths, and theosophists endeavour to live them. Everyone willing to study, to be tolerant, to aim high, and to work perseveringly, is welcomed as a member, and it rests with the member to become a true theosophist.
4 The Theosophist Vol. 142.4, January 2021 Presidential Address Presidential Address
To the 145th International Convention of the Theosophical Society Online from 27 to 30 December 2020
I WOULD like to welcome you to this 145th International Convention of the Theosophical Society (TS). Last year, when the location for this meeting was moved to the Indian Section’s Headquarters in Varanasi, we thought of it as an exceptional year. This year, 2020, will go down in history as a most exceptional year. This is the first time in the TS’s history that we have been unable to gather face to face for this annual event. Even during the World Wars, in some manner we were able to gather in each other’s presence for this International Convention. These challenging times should make us reflect on the root reasons for this global pandemic, and the role that humanity has played in bringing it about. Let it be our intention to come out of this moment stronger and wiser. Now let us please rise for the invocation to those Great Ones who guide and protect the Society:
May those who are the embodiments of Love Immortal bless with their help and guidance this Society, founded to be a channel for their work. May They inspire it with their Wisdom, strengthen it with their Power, and energize it with their activity.
I am now pleased to open this 145th Annual Convention of the TS.
Every year has its trials, lessons, damaging vision of progress affecting all and challenges. This year the fact of our of the life forms on our Earth. H. P. interdependence and inseparability has Blavatsky (HPB) once said: “Do not be been confirmed in the most definite, afraid of your difficulties. Do not wish if painful, manner. Even the darkest days you could be in other circumstances than are not without light. And this moment you are. For when you have made the of trial is filled with blessings, if we can best of an adversity, it becomes the step- see and respond. For a brief time the ping stone to a splendid opportunity.” “normal” behavior of our human family There is another way — not some- has been interrupted. A globally shared thing new, or old, ancient, or modern, but threat to health and well being has caused the ageless potential for an applied us to stop, to isolate, to halt our blind, Brotherhood/Sisterhood, interdepend- headlong rush toward an unsustainable, ence, interbeing that this moment cries out
Vol. 142.4, January 2021 The Theosophist 5 Presidential Address for. The entire reason for the existence this time of stress and change let us of the Theosophical movement is to move all try to strengthen our link with that from potential to the actual growing cir- source that supports us all. This moment cles of compassion that must arise when we are presently living through will we “get it”. come to an end, and with it will arise One of humanity’s unfortunate fea- new challenges demanding a deep-ening tures has been that we seem to learn access to our inner resources. Let us more readily from crisis and suffering rise to meet the needs of this moment than from ease and comfort. During and the ones to come. * * * I am happy to note that 80 new mem- and French. They are planning to have bers joined the TS in Brazil during the their 2021 Convention on Zoom again. year. They celebrated their centenary It is unfortunate that the TS in Chile, over a week-long programme with lec- despite its best efforts, could not continue tures, musical presentations, and release with their regular and special activities due of the book Theosophy, the Truth of All to a long period of social unrest followed Ages. The 39th Summer Theosophical by the Covid-19 lockdown. Their high- School was held in Teresópolis, Rio, in light was the celebration of the 118th January on “Introduction to Yoga, an anniversary of the Arundhati Lodge Con- Esoteric Approach”. Cultural activities stitution Charter being signed by Col. H. were carried out and there was greater S. Olcott. Some activities were held on integration of the young members. Des- a virtual basis in the Lodges. Four pite the pandemic challenges, they suc- public theosophical classes were held in cessfully held the International Theo- January, generating good participation, of sophical School and Winter Seminar on which 7 became members. Members-only the virtual Zoom platform on “Science work-shops continued till January. and Spirituality” with 338 registrants. Regular activities of the Lodges in All in-person meetings of the TS in Costa Rica such as meetings and discus- Canada, scheduled to be held in 2020, sions were held as usual, except that had to be cancelled due to the unprece- during March to September they had to dented global crisis caused by Covid- be held via the Internet. Some videos and 19. However, meetings continued to be talks were sourced from Spain, Argentina, held online with Zoom and some even and Brazil. Based on popular demand, a continued throughout the summer. Their basic course on Theosophy was started National Convention in August was also by some Lodges for newcomers and non- held on the Zoom platform, titled “The members. Like elsewhere, the pandemic Ego, Its Composition, Its Mechanism, cast its shadow on the Cuban theo- and Its Transformation”, in both English sophical activities. Fortunately, all regu-
6 The Theosophist Vol. 142.4, January 2021 Presidential Address lar functions, including public confer- Regular activities in Uruguay were ences, were held from October to March held from October to April. During the with the Annual Convention being organ- lockdown virtual meetings were held ized in January on the theme “Peace”. once a week on the same day and time. The Dominican Republic has under Though due to the pandemic all con- it the Atma and Nueva Aurora Lodges, ferences were cancelled, members and and H. P. Blavatsky Group. Members are well wishers were invited to attend con- dedicated, active, and sincere in their ferences organized by other Spanish- studies. Due to the pandemic, meetings, speaking Sections. Their Theosophical conferences, and lectures are now being Order of Service (TOS) has three main conducted virtually. The Mexican Section activities on their agenda — donations for helped in organizing the “Magna Escuela wheelchairs and animal shelters, and Chi de Sabiduría Digital 2020” of the Inter- Kung classes for a holistic life. American Theosophical Federation, with Membership in the TS in America me giving the opening address. Due to is 3,370 with 910 life members. In mid- Covid-19 they were also able to participate March everything stopped due to the pan- in programs organized by other Spanish- demic and headquarters was closed, speaking countries. They have 120 mem- anticipating a two-week closure. Staff bers in 9 Lodges and 5 study centers. The continued to be paid, but after remaining two Lodges of Peru conducted all their closed for five weeks with little to no regular meetings, including studies on income and continuing expenses, two- important books and special day cele- thirds of the staff had to be furloughed. brations, between October and March. A special call for help was issued to Thereafter, some programs were held on members and friends, and the response the virtual platform. was amazing. Many staff members have The TS in Puerto Rico has been hold- since returned to work. In mid-March, ing regular meetings and theosophical all face-to-face programs moved to studies in important and interesting areas an online format. The Thursday night on the virtual platform. The pandemic has lectures have continued; they are live- not been a deterrent. Universal Flame streamed weekly and then placed on Lodge has a unique way of keeping the YouTube. A weekly online meditation members excited by telephonic studies. has been added, as also an electronic Many members in South America, the Daily Seed Thought. For the coming year, Caribbean, and Florida have been bene- theosophical programs will continue to be fited by the virtual public lectures and provided online, reallocating staff in some conferences offered by the Spanish- areas. Audiences have actually increased, speaking Lodges. It is a nice gesture for because the programs are now available them to send excerpts of theosophical around the world. texts to facilitate daily meditation. The H. S. Olcott Memorial Library
Vol. 142.4, January 2021 The Theosophist 7 Presidential Address worked with theosophical libraries in have completed one or more courses. various countries to resolve collection The TS in Venezuela celebrated gaps, increased membership by 23 per- Foundation Day of the TS in November. cent from last year, and began making Study classes and other activities were audio recordings and textual resources cancelled from March to September due more readily available online, especially to the global pandemic. In every Lodge through
8 The Theosophist Vol. 142.4, January 2021 Presidential Address been introduced and greater participa-tion public thrice annually from this autumn. is expected. The Annual General Meeting of the The 3 Lodges of the TS in Austria, Finnish Section was organized success- with 59 registered members (2 members fully in Kreivila, postponing the date from directly attached to the Section), con- April to July due to the pandemic. The tinued with weekly lectures and other major event of the year, the Summer activities. Their annual meeting was held School, was also held in Kreivila in July, in March at Graz. Some of their members on “Eternal Wisdom and the Present attended the summer school of the Ger- Moment”. They had three other events man TS. Until mid-March, the Belgian TS in Kreivila: a course on the “Healing Lodge meetings and lectures were going Powers of Nature and Other Secrets”, a on as usual. Despite the lockdown, the weekend for Lodges, and a silent retreat. formal annual members’ meeting was The local Lodges in Estonia organized organized. Most of the major events could the Estonian Summer School with the not take place because of the global theme “Peace within Me”. Estonian Lod- disaster. It is good to know that some ges had a winter seminar in January and members could attend the last Inter- a study class on The Secret Doctrine in national Convention held in Varanasi. March. They also had an autumn study Membership has come down to 62, as 3 camp in August. From March to August, resigned on the ground of it being an in- many events were cancelled due to the convenience to attend meetings regularly. pandemic. The Finnish Section has 21 The nationwide lockdown for Covid- Lodges with 335 members. 19 around the world also affected the TS The activities of the TS in France were in England and Wales. However, the Na- regular up to the lockdown in March. Bi- tional President maintained contact with monthly courses attracted regular parti- all members during this critical time by cipants to the Headquarters in Paris. Silent issuing a monthly newsletter. I am pleased retreats took place once a trimester; that TSE members in Wales were wel- meditation sessions were organized month- comed and made to feel inclusive.The ly. There were public lectures and intro- 39th Congress of the European Feder- duction to Tai Chi courses. The Section ation of TS was postponed until August reacted quickly to the pandemic situation 2021. The theme of the Congress, and began to organize programmes on “Healing Oneself, Healing the World”, Zoom. The online presence has grown, will remain unchanged. It is noteworthy including Facebook, YouTube, and weekly that online foundation and diploma e-newsletters permitting more attendees courses on Theosophy are being con- from a number of countries to participate tinued and currently being translated in the programmes. The bookshop was into Russian. Their magazine, Esoter- closed at the beginning of the lockdown, ica, will be issued to members and the but clients could order books online, by
Vol. 142.4, January 2021 The Theosophist 9 Presidential Address phone, and by post. Due to disruptions in Lodges, Helios and Orpheus, were postal services, in April, the monthly twinned with the Leeds Lodge (UK). magazine Le Lotus Bleu was published Before the lockdown due to pandemic, in in electronic form, and since then some the months of October to March, seven subscribers prefer to receive it by email Lodges had their regular meetings and only. The national convention, usually lectures. organized in June, was postponed to Of the 3 Lodges in Hungary, it seems October, and took place on Zoom. only Siddhartha Lodge is active. The The Northern German Spring Meeting pandemic lockdown affected the program and the Summer School could not be held during the year. Two new books were pub- because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The lished, The Key to Theosophy by H. P. book Meditations on the Occult Life by Blavatsky and Self-Transformation by Vic Geoffrey Hodson was presented to all Hao Chin, Jr. Thirty-seven different theo- members as a gift for their homework. It sophical books are available in the was very thoughtful on the part of the Hungarian language. Public lectures are General Secretary to have posted passages recorded and available on YouTube. A of books, sayings, and book and movie new website with a new design was made re-commendations in the website. It is containing about 170 downloadable trans- good to know that five new members lations of the classic as well as modern joined after reading the book The theosophical literature. I am happy to Universal Healing Field by Peter and know that a new Lodge is likely to come Katarina Michel gifted to them. As a part up in the forest area of adjacent Slovakia. of TOS activities, two healing groups met The Summer School of the Icelandic twice a month. The total number of Section of the TS, which was to be held members is 124. The Southern German in June, got cancelled because of the pan- Meeting was held in September. This one- demic. This year they had 26 meetings day meeting was fruitful with talks and from the beginning of October to 8 Feb- deliberations on the theme of healing. It ruary. The talks were usually advertised was well attended by 16 members and one through social media and were open to guest member from England. the general public free of charge. The Two important theosophical conferences newsletter Mundilfari is published thrice took place in Greece, namely, “The a year with reports about TS meetings History of Theosophy Conference” and of the Section and around the world. The “The European School of Theosophy eight active Lodges, including a new one, Conference”, both in October. The Martinus, in Reykjavik and one in success of both the conferences was ac- Akureyri, had regular Friday lectures knowledged by the participants attending and Saturday meetings with discussions from 20 countries. Another important and videos till February, when Covid- activity was in January, when two 19 intervened. The talks were advertised
10 The Theosophist Vol. 142.4, January 2021 Presidential Address and open to the public besides members continued with the use of new digital of the TS. Attendance was usually from communication technologies. It also made 30 to 60 persons. People had the opp- it possible to develop new initiatives and ortunity to meet the lecturers afterward new contacts; as a result, there is growing and discuss with them further. A few general interest in the TS and its activities. Lodges had members-only meetings They have a well-structured website, rich too. Gangleri, their annual journal, was in information, visited by 6,500 surfers published with 160 pages. every month, and this increased during No new books were published but some the lockdown. There is a section named of the earlier books were reprinted. The “members only” with a separate address. website
Vol. 142.4, January 2021 The Theosophist 11 Presidential Address the Lodge and ITC libraries, and a book- which occurred in Scotland in March, the shop. There were two events with 80 and Lodges and study groups functioned 100 participants before Covid-19, and the normally organizing talks and meditation rest had to be cancelled. The quarterly gatherings. It is heartening that despite the magazine was published on the website, unprecedented situation, the members of
12 The Theosophist Vol. 142.4, January 2021 Presidential Address The Swedish Section, with 160 mem- cludes non-affiliated members of the bers, organized public lectures on Free- Section and holds regular weekly meet- masons, the Quakers, the Seven Rays, and ings. Due to pandemic restrictions from Self-Transcendence. Two new study March, the TSU activities took place groups and two Saturday workshops were online through social networks. The TOS started. Foundation Day on 17 November in Ukraine united volunteers at different was celebrated at the Headquarters in places for helping children, taking care Stockholm. All scheduled lectures, study of animals, and protecting Nature. Many groups, and the summer school were volunteers joined the support medit- cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandem- ation groups for healing. ic. However, this autumn study groups The East and Southeast Asia TS Presi- were held with limited participants. They dential Agency overarches four countries: were quite active on the Internet and the Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Myan- website. TOS Sweden continues to sup- mar. Singapore and Myanmar Lodges port a school project in Goa, India, called were founded by Col. H. S. Olcott and, “Mango Tree”. Raja Yoga by Wallace therefore, are among the oldest in the TS Slater was translated into the Swedish world. We appreciate the effort of the language and published by the Section. Singapore Lodge. Apart from carrying The TS in Switzerland carried on forward their activities until the end of their regular programme in a structured March, including the 47th edition of “A manner. The highlight was a seminar in Course in Theosophy”, which attracted collaboration with the European Feder- 16 new members. They continued with ation and the Italian Section. Its Assembly their programmes, observing all Covid- was held in September. Cantons also 19 guidelines of the Government, from carried on vigorously with their activ- 1 August. Online efforts have been con- ities. Fortnightly meetings were organized tinuing satisfactorily. in the Lugana study group. Because of It is an appreciable arrangement that Covid-19, members are meeting through the Malaysia Lodge functions normally a specially created WhatsApp group. We every Saturday and is open to non- appreciate their free distribution of members. Like elsewhere, their activities magazines and books to generate inter- were adversely impacted by the Covid- est in Theosophy. 19 lockdown. However, online meetings In September, the Ukrainian Section are being attended by members. The members elected Mrs Svitlana Gavry- President of the Nippon Lodge in Tokyo, lenko as their General Secretary. It is Japan, which has 30 members, is Naoto commendable that the Institute of Na- Okamoto. It is the only Lodge in the tional Lecturers of Ukraine was set up in country. Online webinars are held November. Interestingly, there is an All- monthly. Publications during the year Ukrainian theosophical group which in- were two books on practical occultism
Vol. 142.4, January 2021 The Theosophist 13 Presidential Address and An Epitome of Theosophy. I con- with representatives of the Federations gratulate the Myanmar Lodge on with the objective of inspiring all to do receiving the Registration Certificate from good theosophical work. The overall their national government. The Yangon average achievement for the year was TS has one Lodge with 36 members. De- 63%, and there is room for improvement. spite the lockdown, they celebrated Adyar The main goal this year was to in- Day, Wesak Day, and White Lotus Day. crease the Section’s income and become The Australian Section National Con- financially independent. A dilapidated vention on the theme “A Dialogue with the building in the Section headquarters was Universe: Science, Wisdom, and Creativ- replaced by a new 4-storey building. This ity”, held in Melbourne, was a great suc- helped to bring in some substantial in- cess. The Section published an anthology come as well as provide more accom- of articles on Theosophy and Science by modation for visitors. Now a total of 200 the late Dr Hugh Murdoch, astrophysicist persons can be accommodated for study and founder of the Theosophy-Science camps, conferences, and so on. Another group. In March, before the suspension important change was the renovation of of all activities due to Covid-19, 31 pre- the 1,500-seat Radha Burnier Amphi- sentations around the Section were done theatre inaugurated by me on 31 Decem- through national lecturing programmes. ber at the start of the 144th International From March onward, members remained Convention. The Annual National Study connected to the centre through innovative Camp was held with 80 participants in electronic methods of communication. the Headquarters in October on “The Mainamati Lodge and two other Lod- Teachings of Theosophy and J. Krishna- ges celebrated the birth anniversary of murti”, directed by Prof. P. Krishna, who Annie Besant and Mahatma Gandhi on has for long been associated with both 1 and 2 October respectively. Five mem- the TS and Krishnamurti Foundations. bers from the TS in Bangladesh attended The reference book used, A Jewel on a the last International Convention held Silver Platter, is his own. The Uttar Pradesh in Varanasi. Diplomas for 37 members Federation organized its Centenary Confer- were issued during the year. From mid- ence in Agra in October, inaugurated by March, all gatherings were cancelled due me. The theme was “One Life, One Con- to the global pandemic. However, virtual sciousness”. The highlight of the year was programmes are now being held. the hosting of the International Convention The Indian Section has over 10,000 in Varanasi in December, after 30 years, members distributed among 492 Lodges with 1,500 delegates, good food, stalls, and Centres under 16 Federations. The electric vehicle transport, sightseeing trips, term of National President Pradeep Gohil slightly dampened by the extraordinarily was renewed for another 3 years. Goal unusual cold weather. All the customary review and setting meetings were held activities went on smoothly.
14 The Theosophist Vol. 142.4, January 2021 Presidential Address The 128th Convention of the Section national Treasurer and TOS Secretary, was held in Varanasi in January on “Kindle Nancy Secrest. They were guest speakers the Spark Within”. A certificate course on at the National Convention and at several “Self-Realization through Theosophy” branches. The Annual School of Theo- was conducted in Varanasi in January, sophy held in Auckland in October 2019 concluding with the induction of 10 new was also very fruitful. I wish to acknow- members. The Covid-19 lockdown affected ledge the publication of a 7-part online regular activities considerably. The Easter series exploring Theosophy. Successful Conference in April at Adyar had to be social media campaigns have really in- cancelled as also the 9 Summer Camps creased awareness of Theosophy. planned to be conducted at the Himalayan The Indo-Pacific Federation Conference Study Centre, Bhowali. The same was was hosted by the Philippine Section in the fate of other study classes and camps November, which I attended with my wife, as well. Lily, and other international officers from The National President participated Adyar. The Youth and Well-Being Centre in the conference on “History of Theo- was inaugurated during the excellent and sophy” in Greece. He also spoke at the productive Convention. They had their European School of Theosophy Con- strategic planning meeting in March, ference in Greece on “Reincarnation — where the programs for the next seven Its Causes and Process” and “Ancient Wis- years were identified. From mid-March all dom and Modern Science” in October. activities were cancelled because of the From October to March more than 15 pandemic. I am happy to note that online National Lecturers participated in various weekly meetings were held with inter- programmes all over the country. Some national participation in the true spirit of of them conducted online study classes Universal Brotherhood, apart from similar after the advent of the pandemic. Annie online seminars. It is heartening that on- Besant’s 172nd birthday, Foundation Day, line classes started in September. TOS Adyar Day, and White Lotus Day were Philippines is very active with many celebrated. The Indian Theosophist projects and the volunteers did a com- is the monthly journal. During the year mendable job during the volcano eruption the Section’s website
Vol. 142.4, January 2021 The Theosophist 15 Presidential Address dedicated to the study of Oriental special training for the teachers to adapt literature, philosophy, and religion, plays to the requirements of a virtual classroom a crucial role in interacting with members and the digital framework. A digital ini- and the public. Dr Radha Raghunathan tiative of learning by providing computer joined as the new Director of ALRC in tablets for students of grades 10 to 12 November. You are encouraged to visit classes was successfully started and is in the Centre and benefit from the treasured progress. The Social Welfare Centre knowledge. Apart from numerous Sans- continued providing care to 46 children, krit and other palm-leaf manuscripts, it taking care of their nutritional require- houses important books in several nation- ments and play activities. In the Voca- al and international languages. Editing of tional Training Centre, 24 students un- rare articles and books consistent with the derwent training in tailoring, weaving, UGC-CARE guidelines was started. The and other craft-related skills. But since Library becomes richer every year with April these activities remain suspended due generous book donations. to the pandemic. The H. P. Blavatsky On 25 January we saw a milestone Boys’ Hostel is operational, but activities event when the new premises of the Adyar remain suspended due to Covid-19. Archives was inaugurated and named In the November session of the School after the late Surendra Narayan, Inter- of the Wisdom, Dr José Foglia, from national Vice-President of the TS for Uruguay, helped the students understand many years. The refurbishment was pos- the deeper knowledge of the human ner- sible due to a generous donation from vous system and brain, and reactions and his family members. Despite the universal habits of thought. In the December ses- problem created by the pandemic, the sion students were introduced to the J. digitizing of the Blavatsky Museum cata- Krishnamurti dialogues by Mr Paul Smith logues was adroitly accomplished. Hand- in a good interactive session. The Ven- written books have been uploaded to erable Olande Ananda Thera, from Sri the computer database where necessary. Lanka, took the third session last January, Efforts are under way to collect authentic on meditation, and guided the students on information on the rare paintings gifted how to practise it in daily life. During the by the famous art historian, Govindraj fourth and last January-February session Venkatachalam of Bengaluru. of the School, Dr Elena Dovalsantos, from The regular academic and cocurricu- the US, offered a course on The Secret lar activities of the Olcott Memorial Doctrine, explaining its relevance in day- Higher Secondary School continued to-day life. until March, when the school had to be The Theosophical Order of Service closed due to the pandemic per govern- (TOS) is present in 35 of the 59 countries ment instructions. However, teaching where the TS is active via several out- strategies were fine-tuned to provide reach avenues. This year Nancy Secrest,
16 The Theosophist Vol. 142.4, January 2021 Presidential Address International TOS Secretary, gave talks vious year. The fall in sales was due to and made presentations at the Indo- the International Convention being held Pacific Federation Conference held in in Varanasi instead of Adyar. During the the Philippines in November. In January, period from October to September, fif- Ms Secrest, with TS Vice-President teen reprints were published. Dr Deepa Padhi, went to New Zealand, For the Besant Memorial Animal where Ms Secrest gave a presentation on Dispensary (BMAD) the year has been the TOS and both participated in a panel very productive in spite of the Covid-19 discussion on TOS activities. I would like pandemic. The team that started off with to record my deep appreciation for the one veterinarian and one caretaker four long years of excellent leadership by years ago has now become an army of B. L. Bhattacharya, as Director of TOS in twenty-five passionate workers, mostly India, and welcome K. Sivaprasad as his volunteers, including four veterinarians successor. Usha Shah in Kenya and Mar- and four managers. Animals have been tha Muñoz Forero in Colombia provided in need of rescue and treatment more than commendable support to TOS by their ever. On an average there are 200 in- exemplary services. Both took retirement house rescued animals and roughly 25 this year. In a certain sense, the Covid to 30 inpatient animals on any particular pandemic provided opportunities world- day. The team also manages around 200 wide to provide food and other assistance outpatient cases per month. to the hapless during the lockdown period. Overall, more than 600 animals, includ- Many TOS groups are also active in ing large ones, were rescued, during the animal welfare. Almost all countries have year. New additions include beach horses healing groups and are very much active and racehorses whose original caretakers during this Covid time. I take this did not have the facility to feed and care opportunity to congratulate Pam Evans for them during the lockdown. Due to of TOS England who has been decorated neglect, the once-admired horses had as MBE (Member of the Order of the become malnourished and weak. After British Empire) by the Queen of England. 5–6 months of continuous care they have The Theosophical Publishing House: once again become healthy and happy. The Covid-19 pandemic caused a complete During the lockdown, despite being shutdown of sales from the end of March under the risk of Covid transmission, the to mid-September. During the first half- team ensured that all animals, including year, the sale of books continued to be those living in the TS, were fed and cared good both in India and abroad. Sales via for. With crowd-funding through “Ketto”, the Amazon website continued to do well. BMAD successfully collected up to Total sales for the one-year period from Rs 1.8 crores for renovating the facility. April to March was Rs 3.52 million New equipment like an X-ray machine was compared to Rs 4.09 million of the pre- added as also kennels for inpatient
Vol. 142.4, January 2021 The Theosophist 17 Presidential Address animals and a shed for in-house dogs. ating life in the forest and care toward Sponsors have made significant contri- Nature, and songs that spoke of the unity butions for feed and medical supplies, and of life and brotherhood. But a few days one sponsor even helped to obtain an later a lockdown forced the school to close ambulance to rescue animals in trouble. abruptly due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The animal birth control programme has On 11 June, ATA started its second been a successful venture, and this year academic year, transitioning from in- close to 1,000 such surgeries have been person to online classes, using the virtual completed with smooth recovery. platform Zoom. The second year brought The Adyar Theosophical Academy the addition of Grade 3 and strength of (ATA) concluded its first academic year 110 students. This also required train- in March with 54 students in classes from ing for teachers to adapt and orient Pre-K to Grade II, a year full of activities, themselves, who participated in more learning, and adventures. Contact with than 20 workshops. Nature and a focus on arts to explore the On 24 June 2020, ATA celebrated its creative side were essential parts of the first birthday. Vicente Hao Chin, Jr, and ATA’s spirit and approach to education. other guests joined online. Children Academics were enriched with educa- sang, recited, and shared their spon- tional trips and project activities. Chil- taneous drawings as well as birthday dren’s days integrated sports, theatre, cards. The event ended with encourag- music, and arts. On 25 January, ATA had ing words from Vic and the other guests. its very first “Sports Day” on the grounds The final celebration of the period of Olcott Memorial School, Adyar, with from 1 October 2019 to 30 September me as the Chief Guest. Students gifted 2020 was on 21 August, to celebrate little mementos created by them. I hoisted Ganesha Chaturthi. In Hinduism, this is a the School Flag and addressed the as- 10-day festival marking the birth of the sembly of participants as well as parents. elephant-headed deity, Ganesha, the god I emphasized how sports is an integral of prosperity and wisdom. The children part of learning and encouraged children sang slokas in his honour, had sessions to participate with zeal and passion. of fireless cooking, and also different On 14 March, ATA celebrated its representations of Ganesha using various first “Annual Day” in the Adyar Theatre. artistic techniques and elements. Ms Marja Artamaa, international Secre- One of ATA’s highlights of the year tary of the TS, was the Chief Guest. The was “Gratitude Week” — an exercise in- programme included cultural expressions culcating thankfulness in everyday life. from India and the world, dramas recre- TIM BOYD
18 The Theosophist Vol. 142.4, January 2021 The Power of Renewal The Power of Renewal
LINDA OLIVEIRA
THE trajectory of humanity through buds) deep beneath the bark. These are time has been punctuated by numerous actually protected from fire; yet after a cycles — cycles of peace, war, intellectual fire, they are triggered into life. Some advancement, pestilence, innovation, cre- have underground lignotubers, large roots ativity, and so forth. Waves of suffering from which a tree can sprout new growth. have engulfed entire populations at times, Certain types of plants have dense, fibrous perhaps due to war or political extremism. trunks which recover from fires. Yet others Then we have the recent advent of a pan- have incredibly robust seeds which can demic which has dramatically changed germinate either during, or after, a fire.1 lives all around the globe. The renewal of a forest is a kind of miracle We also witness numberless natural after what seems to be total destruction. cycles. It is possible to learn so much So in the case of many forest trees and from the world around us. There are vast other plants, something endures despite geological cycles which are followed by what appears to be complete death; and it periods of massive destruction, before is this enduring factor which fans new life some kind of rebirth — perhaps the emer- when the conditions are right. The gence of a new continent. Then again, this possibility of continuity remains; indeed, planet has some spectacular forests which the potential for renewal which is inher- have cycled into their potential as mature ent in Nature is an extraordinary power. wooded areas. Yet when a fire sweeps And what about the human being? We through a forest, countless trees can be are products of Nature and, by correspond- destroyed very rapidly. The black, charred ence, also possess the power of renewal. remains give no visible hint of what is We are familiar with the body’s various possible in the future; no indication of functions and cycles. We know how sleep what will happen very naturally in the provides much-needed rest, so that the fullness of time. body is refreshed and ready for another In Australia, as in other countries, there day of physical action; we know how a are many eucalyptus trees. Many of these period of illness requires more rest than have epicormic buds (dormant growth usual in order for energy and wellness to
Mrs Linda Oliveira is the National President of the TS in Australia and editor of their magazine, Theosophy in Australia. Lecture delivered online at the December 145th inter- national Convention of the TS, Adyar, Chennai, India, on 30 December 2020.
Vol. 142.4, January 2021 The Theosophist 19 The Power of Renewal be restored; we know how the cycles of tain respects. For one thing, there are phys- age work from youth, to middle age, to ical routines such as the tasks we do every old age. These kinds of renewal are known day, which are necessary for orderly living. to us very well. Yet routine also poses problems. We However, the focus here will be on a very have mental habits or routines which can real power that we all possess, to a greater be insidious. Why? For one thing, the re- or lesser degree, which is the power of petition of thought patterns can render renewal within our consciousness. us mentally stale, causing us to be literally stuck in certain mental habits and views. Mental Traffic For example, every single time we reassert In the Wisdom teachings there are dif- one particular view, what happens? We ferent ways of understanding the human are reinforcing it a little more strongly. constitution with its various gradations. It may be a political view, or a judgment Madame H. P. Blavatsky (HPB) de- about another person, or a limited view scribed us as sevenfold beings, based on of Theosophy; in fact, it may be a position the trans-Himalayan School; Swami T. on any subject at all. Then that view or Subba Row favoured the fourfold classi- thought solidifies further and is difficult fication of Târaka-Râja Yoga. Subse- to dispel. Repetition breeds sameness and quent theosophical writers have varied the closes the mind; for that matter, it can also sevenfold classification to a certain ex- easily lead to boredom. When we are bored, tent. And so, the levels or fields within what do we do? We look for some-thing the human constitution have been subjects else to occupy our attention — some kind for discussion and debate down the of distraction, so the cycle goes on. decades in theosophical circles. They are Ven. Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche pre- useful ways of understanding ourselves. sented the following image, which is easy Let us simplify this discussion further, to relate to when we consider our minds: though. We can regard our consciousness The mind resembles a crowded street in as operating in two essential ways: either in which cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and everyday mode, which is turned towards people are moving. When we are in the the outer world, or else in its inward- crowd we are aware only of the rush and focused mode, which tends more towards fuss about us, but if we look down from inner worlds. Let us denote them as the the top floor of a tall building we shall see “external mode” and the “internal mode”. how large the crowd is and how numerous What happens in the long trajectory of the people.2 human evolution? A soul can become lost in the external, everyday mode, completely This rush and fuss which he mentioned immersed in physical surroundings and helps us to understand the distracted state day-to-day routines. Routine may be com- of the mind very well. That is because fortable — and it is certainly useful in cer- various whirlpools of energy, which are
20 The Theosophist Vol. 142.4, January 2021 The Power of Renewal likened to traffic in this quotation, exist in of thought altogether. Distractions are our day-to-day consciousness. Some of essentially of two kinds. Our own thoughts them are larger, more powerful and noisy, distract us, and we have just considered trying to overtake each other and become briefly our mental traffic; but so, too, do the main object of our attention; others external distractions. are smaller and quieter, yet persistent; they are still there, moving along in the mind, The Thirst for Experience and the but usually are not our central focus. Thirst for Renewal Various items of mental traffic compete Why is it that distractions feature so for the position of “centre stage”. For ex- strongly in human life? We seek and fol- ample, let us suppose we are focussing low them partly because of the thirst for on some task at hand. We can call this experience, and all that this implies. But thought A. Some other matter comes to there is another factor too: humans have mind and distracts the attention for a while a fundamental need for inner refreshment, — let us call this thought B. Thought A yet many of us are not aware of this. For continues, but thought B remains in the long ages during the human journey, background, just like a small car which struggling souls typically seek this out- is out of sight of our rear-vision mirror. side of themselves, perhaps hoping that However, that smaller car begins to move novelty will suffice — by keeping up with persistently in and out of the sightline of popular trends, through a whole range of that mirror. We cannot easily shake it off. indulgences, or by engaging in that which Thought B may be especially linked to is sensational because people want novel- the desire aspect of the mind. ty, general gossip, a wish to help alleviate Probably all of us have experienced this boredom, and so forth. kind of occurrence not just once, but many Eventually there is a realization that times. We are engaged in a task, but allow the pursuit of such things is simply not our attention to be drawn by something enough. Why not? Because of a very clear else, which is like a small car in our rear- recognition that distractions do not pro- vision mirror. There may be a desire for duce lasting happiness; the cycle needs distraction with a snack, or a cup of tea, a to change. And so we focus less on diver- sudden impulse to check for messages on sions and more on our inner life, with its our smart phone, or to browse the news, sense of unity and its consequent spirit of and so it goes on. Too much traffic in the generosity. An attitude of appropriation mind clearly causes us to deviate quite gives way to greater consideration to the easily from whatever we are doing. Medi- life around us — in effect, giving some- tators would no doubt be familiar with the thing back. Those distractions which are way that, while they are dwelling on one outside of ourselves, and those which are thing, other thoughts creep in and may caused by our mental traffic, are replaced even lead them down a different avenue in the course of time by an increasingly
Vol. 142.4, January 2021 The Theosophist 21 The Power of Renewal focused interior search for meaning, a something paradoxical happens. There deeper vitality. The individual who is may be physical and mental tiredness, yet increasingly spiritually aware knows that a certain interior energy also manifests in what is required is to look within, and con- response to that action which enables one sequently seeks ways of enabling this. to give more. Human consciousness contains the Renewal is related to the opening up of possibility of opening to a fresh vitality. the buddhic faculty; in fact, it is intimately This is inevitable, and natural. However, connected with buddhi (intuitional wis- when the mind is unclear, repetitive, dis- dom). Dr I. K. Taimni wrote about what is tracted, closed, lacking direction — full of required for its emergence in his book, traffic — then such a state obviously Self-Culture, a text which is pragmatic and renders renewal impossible. grounded in common sense. Briefly speak- ing, the three main factors he mentioned in How does Renewal Come About? the unfoldment of buddhi are: developing An encounter with renewal can range strength, purity, and unselfishness of a high from something brief, to an experience order. Therefore, the process is not so easy. which is significant and lasting. It mani- He went further into each of these points. fests in different ways. For example, there Reminiscent of the traffic in the mind is a certain renewal inherent in the simple which has already been mentioned, he act of giving. Dr Besant talked about what wrote of the need to gather in scattered she called “The Law of Sacrifice” in her mental energies; and noted that as long as book, The Laws of the Higher Life. She we allow the mind to run in pursuit of all used the term “turning point” to denote kinds of objects without any central aim the change from many lives of self- or self-direction, we are bound to remain centredness, to a way of being which is enmeshed in the toils of illusion. But the concerned increasingly with the welfare fact is this: anything in life which is of the life around us. For her it was a worthwhile necessitates inconvenience at movement towards the life of the Spirit, times, as well as one-pointed effort. which “consists in giving, and not in Buddhi exists as a principle in all of us, taking, in pouring itself out and not in eventually to be infused into the various grasping, in self-surrender and, not in self- layers of our consciousness. When reflected appropriation. . . . The Life inexhaustible in the field of the intellect it manifests as is found, that is ever bubbling up out of spiritual knowledge. But when reflected in the illimitable fullness of the Self.”3 the sphere of the emotions, working through This is altruism, pure and simple, which the astral body, it appears as spiritual love. HPB also equated with Theosophy. Therefore, when we become receptive to Dr Besant highlighted a somewhat buddhi, both the heart and the mind are surprising and important principle: when elevated. Knowledge and love manifest we give unreservedly, unselfishly, then on a higher octave, in new ways.4
22 The Theosophist Vol. 142.4, January 2021 The Power of Renewal St Paul made a beautiful observation gadgets we use such as computers, smart about the renewal of the mind: “And be devices, and vehicles, are very much centred not conformed to this world: but be ye around speed and power. But the external transformed by the renewing of your mode of functioning of the mind needs mind, that ye may prove what is that to allow space for that, internal mode good, and acceptable, and perfect will which was mentioned earlier. This requires of God.” (Romans 12:2)5 the mind to observe itself — and in the Not conforming to this world has been process it slows down, with a greater described as being in the world, but not of intensity of experience. it. This well-used phrase in theosophical circles implies living and functioning The Phoenix Bird in the world as we need to, yet also main- When anything is renewed it is given taining a higher perspective, a deeper a new life, a kind of rebirth. In order for view of life, a kind of benevolent the buddhic faculty or regenerative prin- detachment — which is not necessarily so ciple to flourish, its preparation funda- easy to do when immersed in day-to-day mentally involves a kind of “death cycle” problems. We can also think of the will as we relinquish and transmute aspects of God as the will of our interior nature, of ourselves which are not conducive to our spiritual core. awakening to a renewed consciousness. Many will be familiar with the legend Preparation of the phoenix bird which rises from the While it is true that a regenerative ashes. The Greek name “phoenix” means faculty lies within us, there is preparation “bright-coloured”. This legend presents involved in order for one to become itself in the mythologies of a number of sensitive enough for renewal to occur; this cultures, with various representations in is because, like the opening of a flower, it art and literature, including Greek and cannot be forced prematurely. Roman writers. A bird of gorgeous plum- The Jâtaka stories from India tell how age, it had a peculiar mode of repro- the Lord Buddha perfected his spiritual duction. The author Geoffrey Barborka nature by living a series of lives based described this method as follows: around unselfishness and kindness, prior Gathering twigs from spice-trees the bird to becoming the Bodhisattva. In each in- fashioned a nest, upon which it sat and carnation a particular virtue was em- thus concluded its cycle of existence. As phasised. Modern theosophical teachings the phoenix died, the nest burst into flames, also highlight the fact of our evolution into thus consuming the body of the bird. Then, ever more perfected beings, which spans from the ashes a young phoe-nix sprang vast periods. into life and, when strong enough, flew to Humans tend to be impatient. We so Heliopolis (the “city of the sun” in Greek) often want immediate answers and faster with what remained of the nest, dropping ways of doing things. After all, the many it upon the altar of the sun.6
Vol. 142.4, January 2021 The Theosophist 23 The Power of Renewal The symbology here is quite beautiful. What is particularly relevant for our The French author Voltaire described the purposes is the application of the sym- bird as being the size of an eagle, yet with bology of the phoenix to the profound eyes that were mild and tender. This sug- changes which an individual undergoes gests that it represented a beneficent force on the Spiritual Path — successive re- in Nature. It was said to live for a newals or expansions in consciousness fabulously long time: some believed that which have been denoted as Initiations. the phoenix lived for five hundred years; In one interpretation of the Hindu trimurti, for Tacitus it was one thousand, four the triple deity of supreme divinity — hundred and sixty-one years; yet again, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva — is under- others believed that the bird lived for more stood as will, wisdom, and activity. By than twenty-five thousand years. correspondence, if we take Vishnu as The existence and life cycle of such a wisdom, then the Garuda becomes the vehi- bird may validly be subject to different cle of Wisdom. In this sense the Garuda symbolic interpretations. On one level, the can be likened to an individual in whom phoenix bird has been interpreted as the the buddhic principle has awakened, human personality which ceases after one through which Divine Wisdom may be life. From its ashes a new personality even- expressed. There is an inner phoenix in tually springs into being; the skandhas all of us waiting patiently to be born not “reignite”, as it were, and the new per- just once, but a number of times.7, 8 sonality is born in a subsequent incar- nation. Madame Blavatsky actually viewed Some Final Thoughts the phoenix as a generic symbol for A fresh energy can come upon us in several different kinds of cycles. bursts, sometimes unexpectedly. For The phoenix manifests in various trad- example, entering silence contains a real itions with different names. For example, possibility of renewal. Many have experi- in The Secret Doctrine we read of the enced this. When we become silent, even Egyptian Benu bird as synonymous with for a short while, then spaces within the the phoenix, pointing both to human rein- higher reaches of our minds inevitably carnation and cosmic resurrection. A open up. There is good reason, therefore, similar bird appears in the Persian tradition. why so many people choose to go on a HPB described the Garuda as the Indian spiritual retreat once or more in their life- phoenix. Chief of the feathered race — the time. There may be a sensation of light- birds — the Garuda is depicted as half- ness, because burdens are temporarily man and half-bird, the vahana or vehicle removed. These interior spaces of our on which Vishnu (Kala or “time”) is said consciousness are uncluttered; and they to ride. It was praised by the gods as the therefore have great vitality. Being closer highest being and had a brilliant lustre. to the spiritual pole of our nature, they The Garuda has a strong presence in contain an unconditioned energy which Indonesian and Thai cultures, too. can percolate through into our everyday
24 The Theosophist Vol. 142.4, January 2021 The Power of Renewal consciousness, helping to bring out what that traffic is eased, there may be small is best in us from latency into potency. bursts of renewal. The process of renewal can begin However, the ultimate renewal is syn- through simple awareness. For example, onymous with the spiritual Path. This when we see some aspect of our con- requires a process of dying to the old in ditioning for what it is, then that particular order for us to rise, phoenix-like, from the impediment may temporarily drop away. ashes of who we were, and become who It actually takes a lot of energy to maintain we are meant to be. Rather than viewing our conditioning! Or renewal may occur this as an onerous task, it is important to when we are focused unselfishly on a task remember that over time our priorities and find ourselves afterwards with that change, and what might once have reinvigorated energy already referred to, seemed too challenging, now becomes a and ready to take on more. The fact is that natural imperative — a call from deep the more we take our awareness off our- within. For, the power of renewal has selves, the more likely we are to gain great strength and beauty, helping to refreshment of body, emotion, and mind. reveal to each of us our true nobility and For, we can weigh ourselves down. glory, that pure consciousness which we Renewal is inherent in Nature and is normally mask. a significant power within us. Bro. N. Sri On a global scale, the possibility of Ram asserted: “There can be a quality of renewal may also be a silver lining in that consciousness which is perennially new. dark cloud which is our current pandemic, It is the quality of the pure conscious- providing an opportunity for humanity to ness.”9 We can choose to continue along recalibrate and begin to constructively a path of distraction with much traffic in reshape the world, in a new cycle of more our minds, and perhaps maintain fixed profound awareness. The question is, views about things. At times though, when will we rise to the challenge? 3
Endnotes 1.
Vol. 142.4, January 2021 The Theosophist 25 Sixty Years of Theosophy — I Sixty Years of Theosophy — I
GABRIEL BURGOS
I would like to demonstrate what it means and ancestors were Catholic without ever to have a whole life of Theosophy that questioning those ideas. Within that some of you can surely go through in the Church, and within that Catholic family, future. What has happened to me can also I started to shape myself. happen to many of you, because, although When school age came, in those days the state of affairs in the external world there was no nursery school or kindergarten; continues exactly the same, Theosophy one would enter a preparatory school for enables us to see and understand life in a five years, where one of the required completely different way. It is a difference classes was Religion. We studied using a that enriches enormously all of life’s catechism by a Spanish priest, Gaspar moments. Astete. That catechism was in the form of For this, I need to go back to the old questions and answers that we had to times, to an era before I had encountered memorize from the first through the last the Theosophical Society (TS), including year of primary school. It was repeated my infancy and childhood. I was born in in such a way that all of us boys knew Colombia, I have always lived in Bogotá, the catechism by heart. There was no and, given the environment, I was born possibility for free thought. We had to within the Roman Catholic Church. Why repeat and believe whatever was written Catholic? It was the most natural thing in in that catechism. the world. My parentswere very affection- I believe that the priests of that time ate, just like most parentswho seek the best would do the same in very good faith. for their children. According to what they They had also come upon religion from a think is best, they introduce us to what young age when they went to a seminary. they consider to be true religious ideas. In the seminary the same thing was The way of looking at life through a instilled in them as boys, and when they Church demonstrates the spirituality in were ordained to the priesthood they human beings. My parents never asked would teach what they were taught. It was themselves why they were Catholic. Prob- a system of absolute obedience to what ably my grandparents, great-grandparents, was said there. That was very important.
Mr Gabriel Burgos has been a TS in Colombia member for over 60 years, giving lectures, workshops, and so on. He is also author of many articles and a digital book in Spanish titled Approaching Theosophy.
26 The Theosophist Vol. 142.4, January 2021 Sixty Years of Theosophy — I What happens to the mind of a young therefore the causes presented themselves. boy in such conditions? His mind is con- The first one was that when my parents ditioned and crystallized, and he sees got married, they rented a house next to everything in the world through pre- that of my wife’s parents, and my arrival viously formed judgments or prejudices to the TS had a lot to do with this. and will lead his life in the same manner. While I was still going to school, the The majority of human beings do not ask mother of a friend of mine, who belonged themselves why they belong to a religion. to the TS, invited me many times to attend If the parents are Jewish, the children are a TS youth study group. Since earlier Jewish; if they are Muslim, they will fol- I had formed a dogmatic position against low Islamic teachings, and this applies to the TS — a prejudice, a fear, we might all other religions. That does not allow the say, of getting too close to it — I thanked world to be seen except through a single her many times, because she did not vision; they cannot see what others see. invite me only once, but I never went to After primary school came the high the Society. school of Our Lady of the Rosary where Time passed. In my wife’s family there the Religion class continued until the third was a senior lady who belonged to the TS. year. In the fourth year there was a subject She had a conservative Catholic family called “Apologetics”; for the first time — ultraconservative. This lady was the I came across the word “Theosophy”. This black sheep of her family; she was “the class consisted in demonstrating that Truth Theosophist”. Sometimes I would speak was only to be found in the Roman Catholic to my wife about these matters, but we Church! Outside of this Church there was had never paid much attention to it. But no salvation! Studies relating to everything when we became newlyweds this lady else — churches, philosophy, and so on, started to pay us frequent visits to talk with were for showing that they were wrong. us about the TS and to invite us; again we I listened, and it was my turn to study did not pay much attention to it. You can some of those philosophies, and there was see how a wrong and malicious pre- talk about “Theosophy”. What was sentation causes a person with broad Theosophy for the boys in the fourth year ideas in religious issues feeling repelled of high school? It was the door to hell! by something he cannot accept. Theosophy was dangerous. “Please don’t Time went by, and I can tell you that get close to those books; that Society was my wife, Cecilita, also from a dogmatic founded by two ill-behaved, crazy, old Catholic family, had great freedom of ladies” — Dr Annie Besant and Madame thought, differing from me, who had a nar- H. P. Blavatsky (HPB). This was not true, row way of thinking. Her mother was the because Besant was not connected with most extraordinary, good, and generous the TS until long after its foundation. woman that I have known, and she was I had to come upon the TS in some godmother at my baptism, but she died way. Nothing happens by chance, and before Cecilita and I were even dating.
Vol. 142.4, January 2021 The Theosophist 27 Sixty Years of Theosophy — I Cecilita studied in a school founded by started with his favorite composer a German educationist, Mrs Alice Block, — Beethoven. He would always play a who ran an extraordinary school, where Beethoven sonata in an extraordinary way, there were Jewish girls, and Cecilita saw and would follow with other composers. that these girls were exactly the same as In a nutshell, to be able to participate in the Christian ones. The only difference was all of this was for me something very that when it came time to attend the beautiful. He was a diabetic, having to take Religion class, they took a rest break. She remedies for his pains and discomforts, found this interesting and realized that and he died due to advanced diabetes. there is no difference between a Christian His huge house was closed, where he and a Jewish girl, and this led her to had two pianos. One was for the students develop a broad mind, which was a good and the other was a very attractive grand influence for her breadth of thought. piano that he would not allow anyone Cecilita and I began dating and some- else to play; it was only for his own times we would put on the table the subject interpretations. Then the furniture had to of religion. Undoubtedly we had differences be distributed so the house could be rented from time to time, although not major ones, and Cecilita ended up with the grand because generally, although we would talk, piano, among other things. She would for example, about what can happen after practice on the piano, but she was just an death, it was not a cause for conflict for us. amateur, not an expert. She could read and But something came up that was really play simple sheet music, but never like fundamental. How does a person come her father. upon the TS? There are many paths But there started to take place a toward it. It could be that someone speaks phenomenon, and I had never before, nor of the TS and it attracts their attention; have I ever since experienced anything or it could be curiosity. For others it may like this. At 3 am Cecilita would hear her be a pamphlet found casually. In my case father telling her: “Wake up, we have to it was different. My father-in-law was a hold the piano lesson.” I could not hear supremely disciplined person. He was an anything — it was for her an internal voice artist, pianist, singing professor and would — but I could sense at 3 am, as if I had follow a strict schedule. He would eat set an alarm clock, an electric jolt. So we dinner at 6 pm; at 7 he was already in bed. would both get up, go to the studio, and He would get up at 3 am, do gymnastics, she would start to play; and he would even read, study until 7 am, and then he would tell her some things, would correct her, sit at the piano. That was fundamental. and she suddenly would say, “Well, it’s During our first year of marriage just that those scribbles on the sheet Cecilita and I lived in my mother’s home, music .. .”, and he would reply, “Not at and the second year in my father-in-law’s all! Those are compass numbers”, and he residence. So every day I would enjoy a would correct her. Well, we would laugh 7 am concert; it was marvelous! He always and go on like that until 5 am.
28 The Theosophist Vol. 142.4, January 2021 Sixty Years of Theosophy — I We never told this story to anybody was not what we thought. We had the idea else. It was a matter between Cecilita and that when people died they would go with me! But one day she sat at the piano and their wings and hands as if praying, to a started playing a Beethoven sonata in an Sky where they would live eternally happy extraordinary manner; it was her father beyond the clouds. But according to playing, not her! She continued playing Theosophy, if a dear one dies not having until she realized it and got frightened. a real knowledge of life after death, he or Then she stopped, closed the piano cover she continues being in the same state of and said: “Dad, I can’t let you possess me confusion they had earlier. We thanked Don with your mind for this!” She was very Walter, and that night we were prepared for scared and did not want to get up anymore the arrival of Cecilita’s father at 3 am. at dawn. But, what happened? How could Then, when the time came, instead of we remain with such anxiety? getting up, Cecilita said: “Dad, see, you Then she called her TS friend and told have already died, there is nothing left for her what was happening, and the friend you to do here, and you need to move on.” said: “See, I don’t know how to resolve this, As she said this, she became absolutely I don’t know what’s happening, but I do stiff, rigid, as if she was a corpse. Then know who can help you. He is in charge I got terribly frightened. I had heard that of the TS in Colombia, Walter Ballesteros.” to find out if a person was still breathing “Can we make an appointment?” “Yes, putting a mirror to their nose is a good of course!” The friend called Don Walter test; I placed the mirror, and she was and he immediately received us. He was breathing. So I said to her father: “Luis, an extremely cordial person, service- please, you are hurting Cecilita; leave her oriented, kind to all, always ready to serve, alone and go on your way, and don’t help, resolve problems. He was always kind interject yourself in her life.” When I said and would never refuse such a request. this, Cecilita woke up. We went back to Don Walter’s home We went back to Don Walter, and he and he received us in his study. When he said: “I’m sorry not to have explained or heard what was happening, he told us: foreseen that this could have happened. We “See, what’s happening is that, due to the need to keep helping him. He needs to go drugs that he was taking, Cecilia’s father on his way, disengage from the physical is not aware that he is dead. He needs to world he has left, and pay attention to his realize his state so that he can go on his new life on the more subtle plane where way. When people die they need to stop he finds himself now; things must go on.” having anything to do with the physical But all this had already awakened in us a world and should move on. Life goes on, deep anxiety to know, to learn. We could it continues.” no longer be like little sheep driven by This made a great impact on us. What a shepherd who takes them wherever we had been told about Heaven and Hell he wants and says: “Don’t think, leave
Vol. 142.4, January 2021 The Theosophist 29 Sixty Years of Theosophy — I thinking to me;you have to do what I say.” course, he allowed questions from us, and This is what happened with the religion many times, inclusively he would try to courses, and we then thought that we had extract something from us through those to understand and to know this situation. questions. We would, then, progress in our One cannot live in ignorance, waiting for studies little by little. fantasies to come later. Those reunions became a cause of We asked Don Walter if there was a anxiety for us. We would count the days place where we could study, a gathering and hours to arrive at the Lodge that Don place, and he said: “Yes, we have groups Walter Ballesteros was in charge of. How that are called ‘Lodges’. The Lodge is a wonderful, then, to begin to know so many place for study, where members of the TS beautiful things that otherwise we would get together periodically, choose a theme, not have been able to accomplish. We an issue, a book, a talk, a pamphlet, to would never, without having found the study and exchange opinions.” Then we TS, have found them. We asked him where asked him if there was going to be a Lodge we should begin to study at home. He re- meeting soon, and he said: “Yes, precisely commended some book, and our interest tomorrow there is one in such-and-such a was such that Cecilita and I would not eat place . . .” and we went there. They were dis- at the same time, but by taking turns. One cussing very strange things, which neither of us would eat while the other one would Cecilita nor I could understand, and we were read, and then we would change places. more confused than we were previously. For example, we started to talk about So we went back to Don Walter and human nature. They started saying that asked him: “Do you direct some Lodge?” human beings have not only a physical and he said: “Yes, I’m in charge on Tuesday body and a spiritual nature, but have evenings.” It was Lodge Maitreya. How several bodies. One body is called wonderful! What a difference! It was “astral”, with emotions, and another one amazing; Don Walter with infinite clarity “mental”. We would say: “Well, how is would present the most difficult and com- this? How many bodies do we have? This plicated issues. He endlessly showed us is like an onion that we go on peeling to marvelous things to study. Then we started see how many bodies we have.” going there. That is how we started and continued Naturally, we would attend as observers; the study with Don Walter. Fortunately for what could we contribute to a Lodge being Cecilita and me, sharing ideas was mar- ignorant of the subjects that they were velous. She and I would understand each explaining? We were just observers like other extremely well, all our lives. It was the beginners in a Pythagorean school who a life of absolute peace, harmony, and would have to listen first in order to be appreciation. Since we were like-minded, able to speak later,which is very wise. Don we could also share our studies joyfully. Walter would follow the same method. Of (To be continued)
30 The Theosophist Vol. 142.4, January 2021 Fragments of the Ageless Wisdom
Fragments of the Ageless Wisdom
Go not to the temple to put flowers upon the feet of God, First fill your own house with the Fragrance of love and kindness.
Go not to the temple to light candles before the altar of God, First remove the darkness of sin, pride, and ego, from your heart . . .
Go not to the temple to bow down your head in prayer, First learn to bow in humility before your fellowmen. And apologize to those you have wronged.
Go not to the temple to pray on bent knees, First bend down to lift someone who is down-trodden. And strengthen the young ones, Not crush them.
Go not to the temple to ask for forgiveness for your sins, First forgive from your heart those who have hurt you!
Rabindranath Tagore
Vol. 142.4, January 2021 31 The Theosophist Imagining Theosophy for the Future Imagining Theosophy for the Future
CATALINA ISAZA CANTOR
WHEN I first saw the theme, “Imagining man body, the vehicle of our spiritual be- Theosophy for the Future”, two things ing, can help us to understand this better. came to mind: the power of the word According to scientists, the human body “imagine” and the meaning of “Theo- completely replaces itself with a new set sophy”. Imagining is the act of mentally of cells every seven to ten years. The creating or reproducing using the power body is renewing itself, adapting, but the of the mind; imagination is one of the most spirit is the same throughout our entire advanced human faculties. So what we existence. The same can be said of Theo- are doing here is making a collective sophy and the TS. So, I will share three effort to create mentally, using the power points that are useful to keep the flame of thought, an image or picture of the of the theosophical movement alive: future of Theosophy. This leads me to the second point, the meaning of Theo- 1. Remember the principle of sophy. It actually means divine wisdom freedom of thought (brahmavidya). Therefore, it has an im- This is one of the most beautiful char- mutable nature, it does not change, but acteristics of the TS. Since its foundation, the ways of getting closer to it, of spread- the Masters warned us about avoiding two ing it, can and should change. things: selfishness, which prevents Univer- We will talk about how we imagine the sal Brotherhood, and dogmatism, which is future of the Theosophical Society (TS) the opposite of an open mind. But, what is or the theosophical movement as a vehicle an open mind and its relation to freedom for the diffusion of this ageless wisdom. of thought? An open mind is the kind of The TS is made up of members around mind that examines any postulate, goes deep the world; so it is a living organism that in research and inquiry, as J. Krishna- needs review and renewal. It is one of the murti would say. Only through a really open, vehicles through which divine wisdom discriminating mind can true freedom of spreads (clearly not the only one). As an thought be maintained. And we, as external manifestation, it goes through students of Theosophy cannot forget that. cycles. Making an analogy with the hu- Annie Besant says that any institution that
Mrs Catalina Isaza Cantor, translator of theosophical articles into Spanish for more than a decade, is Editor of the TS in Colombia magazine, and assists with the administrative work of the Adyar Theosophical Academy. Based on a lecture given at the 1st International Online Gathering of Young Theosophists, 20–21 Sep 2020.
32 The Theosophist Vol. 142.4, January 2021 Imagining Theosophy for the Future has been in existence for many years is in ideas and the philosophical and scientific danger of crystallizing and that this can assertions of our time [I would add arts]. happen when dogma prevails over free ♦ To seek possibilities of collaboration thought. She adds: with organizations with similar proposals. We must everywhere, in our influence ♦ To help widen the horizons of the theo- upon the world and our influence over sophical perspective, by studying with re- our young members, remember that the spect traditions that were little addressed life of the Society depends on its remain- in our history. ing a society in which thought is entirely free, and frank discussion is encouraged. When there is a fraternal atmosphere, . . . We must encourage the expression of it becomes easy to accept that our point new thought, the open expression of of view on something is not necessarily any new idea. conclusive. Therefore there is a relation- ship between fraternity and freedom of (“The Future of the Theosophical Society”, thought. Theosophy must be presented as public lecture delivered at the Adyar Inter- a challenge to investigation and intelligent national Convention of December 1930) criticism. Individuals with a broad mind For that reason, spaces like these are and a brotherly heart have the possibility extremely useful. Keeping freedom of of drastically changing themselves and thought alive also goes hand in hand with therefore inspiring their environment. the goals of the TS. An open mind al-lows It is claimed that the TS was formed to us to go in depth in examining the help and give an evolutionary impulse to different religions, sciences, and phil- humanity that could result in a real change. osophies. Being aware, thanks to a careful This brings me to my second point, some- examination, leads us to carry out unity thing that has to do with the possibility in a practical way in the midst of di- of going beyond the mere theosophical versity. This makes us more inclusive movement and generating a greater impact and considerate of the other’s vision: that causes more individuals to be raised Universal Brotherhood. within theosophical ideals. I want to refer to the Teresópolis Dec- laration1 and highlight that it points to that 2. The need for a theosophical freedom of thought within a conscientious education and fraternal spirit, something of vital One of the main ideas that Annie Besant had about education is the fact that the importance for the future of the TS. Let formation of a good citizen must begin us take as an example some extracts from during school days, and training must the Declaration: continue in college, because it is during ♦ To deepen the connection between theo- childhood and youth that character is sophical ideals and the 21st century TS. built. Maria Montessori as well had ♦ To build bridges between theosophical particular ideas about the importance of a
Vol. 142.4, January 2021 The Theosophist 33 Imagining Theosophy for the Future proper education for children. Both of We usually talk about attacking social them look at children from a holistic point problems and that the TS should be a of view that takes reincarnation into pioneer in it. One way to attack the root consideration, and shows us that the child of the problem is with a theosophical edu- already has his character and a CON- cation. Some pointers to what a theo- SCIOUSNESS ready to function and is born sophical education can be are as follows: with a certain background. So the first ♦ years are very important and the child An education without competition or has to receive the appropriate stimulation comparison but with cooperation. This during that time. means an education leading to the creation I currently work at the Adyar Theo- of a fraternity that is practiced in daily life. sophical Academy (ATA), a centre of ♦ An education without fear, violence, or transformative education founded by the punishment: “Children should above all be TS, and a sister institution of The Golden taught self-reliance, love for all human Link School in the Philippines. Its goal is beings, altruism, mutual charity, and more to impart a theosophical education: than anything else, to think and reason for ATA’s primary concern will be the themselves.” (H. P. Blavatsky, The Key to development of right character, and in- Theosophy, Section 13, “Theosophy and tegration of core values such as empathy, Education”). Let us remember that a child’s sensitivity, and an attitude of stewardship faults, for the most part, can be changed if for the environment and society, becoming elders cultivate the corresponding virtues an active instrument for doing what and show them respect and trust. is right. Emphasis will be given to the ♦ An education for the ETERNAL, not for development of life skills such as self- the ephemeral, in which the true nature of confidence, effective relationships, effect- the being and the greater purpose of ive conflict resolution, communication evolution are understood, and which is not skills, critical thinking skills (
34 The Theosophist Vol. 142.4, January 2021 Imagining Theosophy for the Future
character and a CONSCIOUSNESS ready to transmit and show to the new generations. function as long as they receive the I imagine, then, a theosophical move- appropriate stimulus. (Montessori) ment in which each student of Theosophy Therefore, I imagine a future for Theo- becomes a centre of transformation and sophy in which this type of education is light, an agent of change and altruistic the rule and not the exception. I imagine service. The quality of collective work similar initiatives in every place of the depends upon the quality of effort and world where there is a Theosophical personal work. We are a living organism. Lodge and a true interest in personal Conclusion transformation. Those who are interested 1. The Masters said: As long as there are encouraged to visit ATA’s website is even a small group of real Theo- and to really consider the possibility of sophists, the institution is safe and so doing volunteer work in this institution. are the teachings. It is our task also to be They are also encouraged to take the seed living examples of that transformational of a theosophical centre of transformative power, in order to inspire and to be real education to their homeland. It is said that channels of transformation. the best way to teach is by example. Since 2. When the Theosophical move- everyone can be a teacher of everyone ment began, it was at the forefront. So it on this path, we must begin by applying is our challenge to make Theosophy as the principles of Theosophy in our own relevant as possible to our youth and fu- lives. This leads me to the third point: ture generations. 3. It should be our main objective to 3. The practical application of theo- make Theosophy accessible to all people, sophical teachings in our daily life finding new ways of expression in order There is a false notion among people to connect and synchronize with contem- that Theosophy is mostly a kind of old- porary times. fashioned intellectual study. Actually, I imagine a Theosophical Movement there is nothing as practical, actual, and as vibrant and inspiring as possible. There intricate in daily life itself as Theosophy. is an immense ocean of wisdom that can- Theosophy is the science of self- not be the privilege of just a few. May the transformation and this is something Ocean of Theosophy permeate as many that we, as members, have to be able to souls as possible. 3
Endnote 1. Between 20 and 26 January 2020, during the 39th Summer School in Brazil, a group of young adults gathered together in Teresópolis (Brazil) with the objective to debate the past, present and future of the youth movement and the Theosophical Society. From that gathering was born “The Teresópolis Declaration”, containing seven propositions from the youth to the Theosophical Society of the 21st century.
Vol. 142.4, January 2021 The Theosophist 35 Emerson on “The Over-Soul” and The Secret Doctrine Emerson on “The Over-Soul” and The Secret Doctrine
CARY GARDNER
RALPH Waldo Emerson opens his writing. If we were to read Plato in the essay on “The Over-Soul” by pointing to original Greek, we are told, we would what we might call the “golden moments” discover that his writings sound more like of a human life. These golden moments Shakespeare or Shelley than systematic give credibility to the fact that there are philosophers like Hobbs or Hegel. higher states of consciousness available Truly inspired writing, such as we find to the individual. And the source of these in sacred texts, has a cadence, a rhythm golden moments can be attributed to the and a melody that is unmistakable. This over-brooding nature of what we might musical quality has a hidden, one might call “soul”. His writings could be charac- say an occult, power to lift and elevate terized as a collection of golden moments. the receptive mind, the open heart. This And to appreciate them sufficiently we capacity is one of the keys to appreciat- must explore, just briefly, the manner in ing Emerson’s brilliance. His intent was which they are delivered. to inspire. His thoughts and writings are The spiritual literature of humankind, more like flashes of insight or collections which is the birthright and inheritance of of mystic moments and less a geometrical every human being born on this Earth, is proof or a rational explanation. He is a inspired literature and is accompanied ap- poetic rather than a systematic philoso- propriately by a certain poetic beauty. If pher. And that is why it is important, not one thinks of the slokas of the Bhagavad- only to read Emerson, but to listen to him gitâ, the verses of the Dhammapada, the as well. Read the following passage out loud and feel the drum roll! Stanzas of Dzyan, the axioms of the Tao Te Ching, the logia of the Gospel of Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that Thomas or the melodious passages of iron string. Accept the place the divine provi- The Voice of the Silence, you cannot help dence has found for you, the society of but hear a distinct musical quality to the your contemporaries, the connection of
Mr Cary Gardner started studying Theosophy in 1974. Since then he has been participating and speaking at several ULT and TS Lodges, and guiding theosophical study sessions from his California home.
36 The Theosophist Vol. 142.4, January 2021 Emerson on “The Over-Soul” and The Secret Doctrine
events. Great men have always done so, nected nature of his prose, yet his aim and confided themselves childlike to the was not to convince or persuade, but genius of their age, betraying their percep- instead to light a fire under the mind tion that the absolutely trustworthy was of his listeners and to encourage them seated at their heart, working through their to pursue their own explorations. The hands, predominating in all their being. universal themes of these meditations And we are now men, and must accept in like “The Over-soul”, (our topic), Self- the highest mind the same transcendent Reliance, Compensation (or Karma), destiny; and not minors and invalids in a Cycles, Nature, Experience, and so on protected corner, not cowards fleeing be- reveal the expansiveness of his thought. He fore a revolution, but guides, redeemers, and is, to use his own words, “Man Thinking”, benefactors, obeying the Almighty effort, and his ambition in life was to encourage and advancing on Chaos and the Dark. this activity in others. And he did so, in the later phases of his life, by offering Emerson is a man of contemplation in lectures throughout the land during the classical sense. He ruminated and America’s adolescence. He was con- wrestled with the great issues of human sidered by many as one of the finest life. He brought depth and breadth to the orators of his generation. eternal questions. For some writers it is said When we read Emerson we find his that the unit of thought is the page, for spirit cheerful, amiable, optimistic, and others the paragraph. For Emerson it is introspective. The great naturalist John the sentence. And this accounts for why Muir met him when he was a young man he is so widely quoted. He set his radar to and said of him: “He is the most sincere the frequency of a Higher Life. His wife man I ever met, as sincere as the Red- would recount how on many an occasion woods.” Emerson was elegant, but not she would witness her husband rush- academic. His intention was to make one ing out of bed early in the morning. She feel the ideas as much as understand could not help but ask, “What’s the them. This musical approach to his prose hurry?” “I must catch this thought my helps to create an atmosphere solicitous dear, I’m off to catch a thought.” of intuition. His work tends to move from Long morning walks were part of his insight to insight much like a symphony daily routine. And he believed Nature was glides from movement to movement. his muse. We all know how a long walk His talks were very deep and rich in has a meditative quality about it. The body language, and for many could be hard to and senses are engaged, giving the mind a understand. There is a wonderful story chance to work independently, with mini- about a simple uneducated washerwoman mum interruption. This discipline was who attended every lecture Emerson gave built into the fabric of his days. in Concord. A local reporter attending He was often criticized for the discon- one of these lectures, who had noticed this
Vol. 142.4, January 2021 The Theosophist 37 Emerson on “The Over-Soul” and The Secret Doctrine woman’s frequent attendance, could thought and hand, and become wisdom, not help but ask her if she understood and virtue, and power, and beauty. what Emerson was talking about. She Emerson’s idea of the Over-soul, sug- replied, “Not a word, but I love to go gests an over-brooding omnipresent spir- and see him stand up there and look as itual essence that defies explanation and though he thought everyone of us was confounds all our ordinary states of as good as he is.” consciousness. Being omnipresent and From where does Emerson’s love and transcendent it is the Voidness of the faith in humanity come from? He had seeming Full. Being imminent and within plenty of evidence to believe the opposite. it is the Fullness of the seeming Void to He lived at a time of great social unrest borrow the words of The Voice of the filled with severe examples of man’s in- Silence. The concept of the soul and the humanity to man. His generation strug- concept of the Over-soul, blend in and gled with the institution of slavery, the out of each other in Emerson’s essay. civil war, robber barons, and witch hunts. And well it should if one would be the He experienced profound personal loss mirror and reflection of the other. with the early death of his first wife, Emerson makes it clear that the soul is Ellen, who died two years after their not an organ but the user of organs. He marriage at the age of 20. His first son tells us that it is not the container of know- from his second wife, Waldo, died at the ledge but rather knowledge itself; it is the age of 5 from scarlet fever. So where does “wisdom of the wise” as Krishna says in this abiding sense of optimism come the Gitâ. He says that the soul is the source from in the midst of such misery? of perception itself. This is precisely where The Supreme Critic on the errors of the our training in theosophical philosophy past and the present, and the only prophet comes to our aid. What we discover of that which must be, is that great Nature straightaway in the First Fundamental in which we rest, as the Earth lies in the Principle of The Secret Doctrine (SD) soft arms of the atmosphere; that Unity, is the idea of the Absolute, the Causeless that Over-soul, within which every man’s Cause pointing to a notion of radical particular being is contained and made one Unity from which the very idea of One- with all other; that common heart, of which ness arises. all sincere conversation is the worship, to Mysteriously and metaphysically which all right action is submission; that this Absolute is experienced by con- overpowering reality which confutes our scious beings in manifestation as the tricks and talents, and constrains everyone ONE LAW (the second proposition of the to pass for what he is, and to speak from SD, signifying a unitary relationship be- his character, and not from his tongue, and tween Spirit and Matter. This Law that which evermore tends to pass into our pervades all of Nature and the “I am I”
38 The Theosophist Vol. 142.4, January 2021 Emerson on “The Over-Soul” and The Secret Doctrine consciousness that wells up within every during the whole term. In other words, human being are both pointers to what no purely spiritual Buddhi (divine Soul) Emerson calls the Over-soul. He is loath can have an independent (conscious) ex- to define it, and prefers to point to it istence before the spark which issued much like a child excitedly pointing to a from the pure Essence of the Universal butterfly alighting upon a flower. In the Sixth principle — or the OVER-SOUL — Third Fundamental Principle of the SD has (a) passed through every elemental form the relationship between the Over-soul of the phenomenal world of that and the idea of “individual souls” is Manvantara, and (b) acquired individu- brought to light. In the same work, HPB ality, first by natural impulse, and then states that the SD teaches: by self-induced and self-devised efforts The fundamental identity of all souls with (checked by its Karma), thus ascending the Universal Over-Soul ... and the ob- through all the degrees of intelligence, ligatory pilgrimage for every soul — from the lowest to the highest Manas, a spark of the former — through the from mineral and plant, up to the holiest Cycle of Incarnation (or “Necessity”) in archangel (Dhyani-Buddha). accordance with Cyclic and Karmic law, (To be continued)
*Do not worry about what doesn't come, With what you know to be light as the breeze. May you reach the high thought of the Heavenly spheres. You will see in you the light of seven candles lit. If you look inside your heart, You will be one with all and with the magical universe. Today, just today, live the opportunity that was Given thee, To be Love, from the early centuries.
Joma Sipe Soul of Light: Works of Illumination “Inspired Messages” Message 3, p. 121
*This message corresponds to the image on the cover of this issue.
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