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.

2 THE THEOSOPHIST

VOL. 139 NO. 5 FEBRUARY 2018

CONTENTS

The Heart’s Wisdom 5 Tim Boyd Looking Within To Reach Out 13 Deepa Padhi Annie Besant on Giordano Bruno 18 J. Krishnamurti 19 Radha Burnier The “Gift of the Gods” 22 Ali Ritsema Beyond Illusion 27 Clemice Petter There Is No Other 31 Pedro Oliveira Theosophy: A Way towards Universal Consciousness 35 Sabine van Osta Theosophical Work around the World 41 International Directory 42

Editor: Mr Tim Boyd

NOTE: Articles for publication in The Theosophist should be sent to:

Cover: A Crimson Rose butterfly (Pachliopta hector) on a wild flower, Adyar Gardens. Photographer — Prof. A. Chandrasekaran ______This journal is the official organ of the President, founded by H. P. Blavatsky, 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. 139.4, January 2018 The Heart’s Wisdom The Heart’s Wisdom

TIM BOYD

“WISDOM” is a subject that we dimly theosophists, we are of the opinion that understand, but wisdom and the path that the next step toward wisdom is merely the leads to it has been indicated by sages amassing of a certain quantum of know- and saints throughout the generations to ledge. That is, after we have read the reside in the heart. necessary poundage of the correct books, There are many terms that are incor- somehow we cross an indefinable line and rectly used interchangeably with the word we become wise. We also tend to believe “wisdom”. When we are loose in our that wisdom and age are related. So, hav- thinking, we find that the line between ing white hair adds to the impression of terms such as information, knowledge, wisdom. But these are all false quali- and wisdom gets blurred. We often fications, having nothing to do with being find educated people substituting “know- wise. Wisdom bears no relationship to ledge” for “information” in the same sen- knowledge, information, or the number tence, but the two are not the same. The of years one has spent on this earth. It is times we are living in have been termed of a completely different nature. as the “Information Age”. This refers to Wisdom is the perception of reality, the an exponential increase of information, or seeing of that which is, undiluted by the data. The current estimate is that every variety of illusions that we embrace, unfil- thirteen months the total sum of human tered by the host of identities we claim information doubles, and even this rapid for ourselves: of nationality, gender, race, pace keeps on accelerating. No one has religion, and so on. The veiling quality of the capacity to grasp this. these identities dim the light of wisdom Information is a basic building block; to the point that it is virtually inaccessible it is a fact. Knowledge gives meaning and to us from moment to moment. It is ever- is structured out of combinations of facts. present, but, as a normal rule, inaccessible. The color of a shirt is a fact, so what? This When we speak about wisdom, it is a is not knowledge, which arises when we different order of things. apply a number of other facts, building a References to the heart abound in structure that endows the isolated facts normal speech. When we look at music, with meaning. So there is information, and movies, songs, literature anywhere in the there is knowledge. Very often, even as world, they are filled with references to

Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Theosophist 5 The Heart’s Wisdom the heart. When one receives a letter that atom. The biological, geological, and begins with “it is with a heavy heart”, one meteorological worlds have all been knows someone has passed on. We talk researched. There are information and about those who are cold-hearted, open- descriptions related to every phenome- hearted, closed-hearted, or who do some- non that we are aware of. We must be thing wholeheartedly, or half-heartedly. clear that science now, and at the time of Our language is permeated with references Sri Ram’s talk, is related to the physical to the heart. In some ways, the territory world. He also noted how the deepening of human exploration at this time seems awareness that science has brought has to be the challenging area of the heart. produced a host of technologies that are At deeper levels we also have refer- continually influencing human behavior. ences to the heart. In the Bible there is a The technological impulse that was phrase: “As a man thinketh in his heart, taking place created previously impos- so is he.” In theosophical terms we speak sible opportunities for global communi- of the “Doctrine of the Heart”. In Maha- cation. One result was that globe-spanning yana Buddhism there is an ever-present organizations were forming which pre- mantra: the Prajñâpâramitâ H·daya viously did not exist because there was Sutra, also known as the “Heart Sutra”. no way to effectively communicate on a Everywhere we look, at superficial levels global scale. These organizations by their and at ever-deepening levels, there is a very nature seek our attention, and try to focus on the primacy of the heart. This is place claims on our resources of various something that should attract our attention. types. Whether they are selling a product Not too long ago, I was listening to a or an idea, they are all competing for our talk given in 1965 by past President of attention and our mind. the Theosophical Society, N. Sri Ram. He Around the time of the founding was talking about the modern world as he of the Theosophical Society, the great saw it at that time. Being the utterly brilliant American transcendentalist, Ralph Waldo individual that he was, he focused on it Emerson, made the perceptive observa- at a depth that I will not be able to para- tion that, “Society everywhere is in con- phrase, but some of the features of his spiracy against every one of its members. analysis are worth noting. One of them The virtue which is most requested is con- was that the influence of contemporary formity. . . . Nothing is, at last, sacred science has come to pervade our lives in but the integrity of your own mind.” ways that we are not even mindful of. That has not changed; if anything, it At this stage in the development of has intensified. One of the other things science, it has looked into every material Sri Ram spoke about was that as a result phenomenon that has come to its atten- of these many developments, the move- tion. Whether it is the expanse of the ment that takes place within human society physical universe or the minutiae of the has increased.

6 The Theosophist Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Heart’s Wisdom Let us fast-forward to the present is one that has no country, made up of moment. Has there been a change fifty refugees, uprooted, homeless, and on the years from Sri Ram’s analysis to now? move. This is a feature of the modern If anything, the change has been that it world of our time. has intensified. The technologies that are Another form of movement is that available are much broader, connecting the ether which surrounds us has become us to information sources and people populated with streaming energies of 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Recently human creation. For example, patterns of I was in New York. A common way of energy in the radio frequency range used travel there is riding the subway trains. Just for mobile phones are continually pas- looking around at my fellow passengers sing through our bodies. So part of the about 7 out of 10 people on every car of condition of modernity is a continuous the train are hooked to the screen of a exposure to non-stable energy patterns. mobile phone. They are either playing a One of the reasons why we feel re- game on it, reading something on it, or newed in Nature is because its patterns have the earphones plugged into it, listen- are stable. It is cyclical, regular. So peo- ing to music. This technology is continually ple go to Nature to recharge. The human- at play within the normal population. created energy patterns typical to urban A further turn of events since Sri life are necessarily erratic. It has been said Ram’s talk occurred in 2008 when, for that one of the greatest inventions of all the very first time in human history, the time was the light bulb. It has made it world became more than 50% urban. possible for us to effectively operate 24 More than half the people in the world hours a day, but has also completely dis- now live in cities like Chennai, New York, rupted the circadian cycles that had been Mumbai, Delhi, Lisbon. The world has the pattern for ever. urbanized and it is on a track to continue While the great sages remind us about at a very fast rate. So the concentration of the primacy of the heart, our normal ex- people in close proximity to one another istence has become dictated by the limits has increased dramatically. It has become of the intellect and the organ of its use a challenge to find a space to rest in our — the brain. own aura or environment. It is almost Early in the history of the Theo- impossible to find a space that is unoc- sophical Society (TS) an important point cupied by the presence or influence of was made about the TS and the Age- other people within the normal urban life. less Wisdom’s relationship to science. Travel has become a worldwide phe- Religion, science, and philosophy are the nomenon now. In many ways the world primary avenues of the human search for is on the move. Another feature of the Truth that our second Object embraces. movement of human populations is that But we have had a strange relationship today the 25th largest nation in the world with science. H. P. Blavatsky (HPB), one

Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Theosophist 7 The Heart’s Wisdom of the Founders of the TS, in the early of the sufferings of a loved one who is far days had to continually correct and modify away, without hearing about it or seeing the limiting scientific assertions that tried the person, but knowing and feeling what to confine human knowledge and exis- they feel at a distance — telepathy, seeing/ tence to the physical plane. feeling at a distance, non-locality. In one of the Mahatma Letters the Another one of the bedrock ideas of Mahatma KH wrote that “modern science quantum physics is known as “disconti- is our best ally”. The idea behind this nuity”, or what is more popularly known was that science, by its very nature, is as the “quantum leap”. Discontinuity progressive. Everything that has been describes the behavior of electrons. The scientifically understood at one point will observation was that when a certain be expanded upon and perhaps even quantum of energy is radiated into an discarded at another point; it progresses. electron, it jumps to a new orbit. In our So it was assumed that the natural arc of normal way of thinking we would expect this approach to studying the universe the electron to move to its new orbit by would come to verge on matters of the gradually traversing the space in be- inner life, on the spiritual dimension of tween, but quantum physics has demon- being. It has been with great anticipation strated that there is no passing in between; that many theosophists have looked at the it is in one place, then there is a quantum progression of scientific thought and leap to the next. study as the field of quantum mechanics Anyone who has been graced with has matured. Many of us have looked to some level of mystical experience can at- quantum physics as that “best ally” in test to the spiritual aspect that is described terms of focusing the popular under- by quantum physics. The basis of mystical standing of the inner life. experience is that at one moment we in- Some of the foundational princi- habit a normal way of seeing the world, ples of this discipline involve innately then suddenly that “earth” melts, and we theosophical ideas. The idea of non- see with new eyes. So there has been great locality — that electrons which have anticipation that this aspect of science was been in association with each other could the ally that we had been looking for. be thousands of miles apart, and that Unfortunately, at this point it is not the what affects one, immediately affects one that is bringing in this new age of the other, correlates directly with pre- thought. First of all, quantum physics is cepts of the Ageless Wisdom. The idea not equally understood among the scien- that thoughts are things, that they are not tists themselves, and certainly not among encumbered by space or time is as fun- those who are not scientifically inclined. damental for any student of the wisdom This “best ally” within modern science tradition, as is the obvious experience has come from a very unexpected direc- common to everyone of becoming aware tion, and it is something that indirectly is

8 The Theosophist Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Heart’s Wisdom having a profound effect on the appre- to those who had never been to school; ciation of these deeper ideas that Theo- it was very democratic. sophy brings. It comes out of the realm Across the spectrum, there were peo- of medical science. This is not to say that ple who were having and then reporting medical science has traced the outlines their experience of conscious existence of the âkâºa or the inner world, but what being completely removed and apart from has happened is as follows. In 1961, the the body. Consciousness was not in any cause of death of 50 percent of the people way dependent upon the physical vehicle in the United Kingdom was heart attacks. that it inhabited. Of the many estimates, At that time, in any hospital around the some go as far as saying that one in world, the best they knew to do was to every eight people has had an NDE. give heart attack patients painkillers and The features found in common among place them with the general hospital the NDE experiences have been an aware- population. Usually they died, or at best ness of being out of the body. Many could did not do too well. see the body lying on the table and report In 1976 research demonstrated that the about what the doctors were say-ing. cause of the cardiac arrests was the fact There was the experience of going that there were blood clots blocking the through a tunnel or going up a staircase flow in the arteries. When the flow of toward a light, meeting with beings of blood stopped, life stopped. In 1977 the light or deceased loved ones; or that of first heart surgery was performed to finding oneself bathed in an intense and remove these clots. By the late 1980s unconditional love. Then there is always they had developed clot-dissolving drugs the life review and the imparting of as well. The result was that people who knowledge about oneself and the uni- ordinarily would have died, did not. verse. These are the shared experiences Until a couple of decades ago, the of those who have had the NDE, and then definition of “death” was that people they would come back, sometimes quite were declared dead when their heart reluctantly. They did not want to leave stopped beating. But suddenly, medical where they were, but had to return for science was able to bring these people various reasons. back to life after the heart stopped Part of the after-effects of these ex- beating. And what it resulted in was an periences which millions of people world- explosion in the number of people who wide have now had, is that they come had “died” and then had a near-death ex- back with a sense of purpose. There is perience (NDE). These NDEs did not a sense of the capacity for a self-effacing only happen to a particular class of peo- love that perhaps was not there before, ple, such as construction workers, one a compassion, an appreciation for life. gender or another, to college graduates When we talk about the higher dimen- more than high school graduates, or sions of the heart, these are the very

Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Theosophist 9 The Heart’s Wisdom qualities that are spoken of by the great ness. What heart was she talking about? spiritual teachers throughout history. It is very easy to think that it is this beat- In some way, the higher reaches of the ing, pumping heart of ours. But it is not. heart are experienced in the absence of In the Gâyatri Mantra, relating to the solar the blinding influence of obsession with consciousness one translation reads, the body. “Unveil . . . that face of the true sun, now HPB made a striking statement about hidden by a vase of golden light”. The the experience of the spiritual; and how clear idea in the mantra is that the sun it is done. One of the things she said was that we see, that gives life to all physical that in order to experience a genuine spi- organisms, is just a covering of the ritual life, you must “paralyze the person- deeper, spiritual sun. In a similar way, ality”. The veiling, blocking influence of the heart that we are familiar with, is the our constant desiring mind, of the sen- covering of a deeper heart, but still has sations that we are ever in search of, and its connection. the bodies with their aches and pains and There is a place in California called demands has to be “paralyzed”. Clearly, the HeartMath Institute, whose experi- there is no stronger paralysis than dying, ments have been replicated in many and so with the NDE the hint of a deeper places. They performed an experiment spirituality becomes available. where they took a computer and pro- Countless people now have had NDEs, grammed it to present photographs ran- so when we hear someone talk about it, domly. There was no way to tell what even if it is not our experience, it mini- photograph would come up next. The mally plants a certain seed of doubt about people participating in this experiment the firmness of this reality that people were wired so that the electrical responses insist upon us accepting. The idea that of their heart and brain could be observed. this is a physical world with physical What they were looking for in the objects, that consciousness is generated heart is something called “coherence”, or by the physical organ of the brain, starts heart-rate variability. The pictures which to become a little bit doubtful and, to were randomly displayed were of two the person who has had the experience, types: one was of lovely natural scenes, the assertion is utterly ridiculous. This is babies, kittens, and so on, something that something where modern science has would generate a warm and pleasant feel- certainly been a huge ally, but in an ing. The other type were photos of war indirect fashion. scenes, car accidents, violence, as graphic HPB said there were three centers in as possible. These images were shown to the body: the navel, or center of the desire the subjects, and the reaction of brain and nature; the brain, center of the psychic, heart would be recorded. or “psycho-intellectual nature”; and the They found that when the image of heart, center of the spiritual conscious- whichever category was coming up, just

10 The Theosophist Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Heart’s Wisdom a slight moment before the picture came So by “continually” would be meant, up, the brain was responding in the way even now, to locate in ourselves that which that you would anticipate for that image. we would regard as our heart center, and But almost five seconds before the image to center our consciousness there, and to was presented the heart was responding listen for the promptings of the spiritual in the appropriate way for those photo- consciousness. A certain concentration is graphs. The heart was the organ that re- needed at first, so that the still small voice flected the intuition of the future event of the spiritual consciousness is pro- well before the picture appeared. So this tected from being drowned out by the is a scientific recognition of the age-old heavy noises that surround us, some of teaching that the heart is the center of the heaviest being our own thoughts. spiritual consciousness. Listen for the promptings of the spiritual Following are some quotes about the consciousness, for though success will heart that we might be able to apply. They most likely be far off, if we do not start, are drawn from either HPB’s Collected we will never succeed. A beginning must Writings or one of the Mahatmas. She be made, only then the Path opens up. says that: She then gives a specific practice, and it is something that is much better suited The heart is the abode of the spiritual to someone who has a theosophical back- man, whereas the psycho-intellectual man ground. She writes that “with regard to dwells in the head, with its seven gate- concentration, the blessed Master Koot ways. In the heart there is a spot which is Hoomi writes: ‘Your best method is to the last to die; a spot marked by a tiny concentrate on the Master as a living man violet light. ... The heart is the center of within you, as a living presence within us; spiritual consciousness as the brain is the center of intellectual consciousness, but make his image in your heart, and a focus the spiritual consciousness cannot be guided of concentration so as to lose all sense of by a person, nor can its energy be directed bodily existence in that one thought.’’’ To by him until he is completely united with become so absorbed in the presence of his buddhi manas [higher self]. Until it this living Master in the heart that it guides him, if it can, that is to say, it makes becomes undisturbed within us, is the efforts to reach him and impress the lower advice of the blessed Koot Hoomi, as HPB consciousness. Those efforts are helped describes it. by his own growth in purity. ... The effort It is a wonderful thing for us to share, however should be continually made to to sit, to listen, to think, all of that is great, center the consciousness in the heart and and it probably has benefits for us as to listen for the promptings of the Spiritual individuals, but the fact of the matter is Consciousness, for though success be far that the Theosophical Society — this off, a beginning must be made, and the movement with which we have affiliated path opened up. ourselves, did not come into being for

Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Theosophist 11 The Heart’s Wisdom mere personal benefit. Personal happi- bears fruit, then it is merely a nice study ness is wonderful and necessary, but we like many others. The advice from HPB live in a world, and for whatever reason was not just to center ourselves in the all who are here were born at a time when heart, but to listen for the promptings of the world has taken a particular turn, the spiritual consciousness that is ever- when there is an energy of separateness whispering, and to act. There is not a that has become quite dominant in our moment when it is not whispering. world. What do we do about this? Equally, there is hardly a moment when Obviously, as individuals, we can feel we are not blocking it with our noise. rather small, powerless perhaps. Dr Albert The sun is always shining, but too Schweitzer once made the wise obser- often there are clouds of our creation vation that “example is not the main way blocking the reception of its healing rays. to influence others, it is the only way”. In That is what is before us, the hope for the absence of an applied Theosophy that this organization, and for this world. µ

Those who have read The Voice of the Silence will know that it consists of three treatises which convey the essence of Mahayanic thought in a very clear form. They are couched in the form of discourses, in which the pupil asks the teacher for guidance and light, and the teacher tells the pupil about the aims on the Path, the various virtues to be developed, the weaknesses to be avoided, and truths relating to all this. The teacher also makes clear that he can only point the way, he cannot carry the pupil to the intended destination. The pupil has to use his own intelligence at every step, summon all the energies of his nature, and apply himself seriously to the task. If it were merely a question of finding a teacher who would conduct one to the proper goal, the difficulty would lie only in finding the right person, and thereafter the pupil would have no responsibility. But that is not the case. The disciple must make the journey by himself, facing all difficulties, guided by his own understanding. N. Sri Ram Seeking Wisdom

12 The Theosophist Vol. 139.5, February 2018 Looking Within to Reach Out Looking Within to Reach Out

DEEPA PADHI

IT is a paradox that what we know as Our unhappiness and insecurity in the real outside of us, is not real. It is like world are due to our erroneous and lim- Socrates’ paradox: “All I know is that ited perception of ourselves and the world I know nothing.” outside. Whatever has a boundary is Human beings live in two worlds, limited. This piece of life which we are visible and invisible, the outer and the living now is limited, as it has its physical inner. But unfortunately, most of us are boundary. But there is something within aware only of one world, the one that is every one of us, of infinite nature, that visible — a gross material world experi- does not like the boundary and yearns to enced by our sense organs which are go beyond it. The physical body, which outward-oriented. Importance is given to is finite and limited, belongs to “me” but things, beings, and happenings in the it is not “me” or “I”. The deep desire to outer world, and we are made to believe know the real “I” makes us look within, that the solutions to all problems and into the inner world, to search for our challenges lie outside of ourselves. We ex- real identity. In fact, it is the native urge pect joy, happiness, peace of mind from we are not aware of to know our true the outside by acquiring, possessing, in- identity, for which no qualification is dulging, and enjoying the objects of the required, nor is there the need to pledge world. Most of us are contented with our ourselves to any religious denomination. life “as it is” and identify ourselves with We just need to go within. our “artificial personalities”, that is, name, When the will to know the true self is form, position, qualifications, wealth, and intense, we look for some kind of spirit- so on. But when we are faced with chal- ual guidance or a master who has already lenges, when something adverse happens trodden the path. Madame H. P. Blavatsky in our lives, when we find that science, reli- suggested three methods, recognized as gion, rituals cannot solve our problems, the three limbs of the theosophical life — we feel depressed, dejected, frustrated. study, meditation, and service. Study does We feel cheated by the outer world. not merely consist in acquisition of

Dr Deepa Padhi is international Vice-President of the Theosophical Society, Adyar, and President of the TOS, Odisha Region, India. Talk delivered at the international Convention on 1 January 2018.

Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Theosophist 13 Looking Within to Reach Out knowledge from books or lectures. One sions. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has has to go beyond written and spoken emphatically said: “If every eight-year- words, to the level of insight. old in the world is taught meditation, we It is known that the main characteristic will eliminate violence from the world of the mind is externalization. But the within one generation.” mind can turn inward by withdrawing its Annie Besant outlined a very simple focus from the senses and the external and practical method, that is, to meditate environment. Before practising medi- on a virtue or quality, like compassion, tation which is the main technique, one love, kindness, simplicity, and live it in needs to clear the mind of all negative our daily life. This brings, as she says, contents, that is, in the words of Patañjali, definite progress in the inner journey. chittav·tti nirodhah, and according to There are different levels of meditation HPB “slaying the slayer”, (the lower as instructed by HPB in “The Diagram mind). One needs to unlearn all that one of Meditation”. To begin with, she states, has learnt over the years. one needs to “first conceive of unity by Once a gentleman came all the way Expansion in space and infinite in Time”. from Germany to meet Ramana Maharshi The practice of conceiving it “turns and in India and said that he wanted to learn expands our consciousness towards the from him. The Maharshi replied: very heart of our real nature and can help us recognize our true self in a transcen- Sorry. You have come to the wrong place. dental divine life because it is based on Here we teach how to unlearn. There are what is already inherent in our real nature”. many universities where you can learn, In meditation proper, one can go to the but ours is a university for unlearning — deeper layers of consciousness. The deeper a university to create no-mind.” one goes within, the clearer becomes the In fact, the process of inner growth is perception of our true identity, the Self — through unlearning to relearning in the a dimension beyond physicality, that is, form of transformational changes. Pure Consciousness. Only a mind free of all preconceived The Ageless Wisdom states that the ideas, blind beliefs, superstitions, can process of transformation through medi- meditate. In ancient India, children were tation occurs in three stages of unfold- sent to gurukula ashram at a very early ment. In the first stage of transmutation, the age to learn the technique of meditation soul of the aspirant is not yet fully aware along with the pursuit of empirical and of itself on its own plane, but is aware and spiritual knowledge. It is advised that sensitive to the subtler levels of realities. meditation should be practised from early At this stage, creative people actively trans- childhood when the mind is like a blank mute the vital forces of their personali- slate (tabula rasa), an empty pristine state, ties into service, particularly for bringing before getting strong outward impres- changes and enhancing the lives of

14 The Theosophist Vol. 139.5, February 2018 Looking Within to Reach Out others. In the second stage, the material there is the realization of Oneness, there force and spiritual energy are mingled is no distinction of “you” and “I”, “subject” into a single unit so that it can function and “object”, “worshipper” and “wor- smoothly and the aspirant gets transfor- shipped”. Both become one — merged med into a vehicle to serve the purpose of in consciousness. the soul. In the final stage of transfigu- All great spiritual and religious teach- ration, the soul completes the process that ers, saints, adepts have gone through began with its awakening. Though the this process. By looking within, Ratna- aspirant is in the human form, he trans- kara, the dacoit, was transformed into the forms himself into an instrument of divine great sage Valmiki, who wrote the epic expression in the world to render service. Ramayana; out of Narendra came Vivek- It is the highest state which is attained by ananda; Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi the very few. emerged as Mahatma Gandhi; Siddhartha With this awakening which is abso- became the Buddha. This is no new the- lutely experiential, one undergoes a ory, no new process. The human mind is magnificent transformation like that of the same “old fields”, but the transformed a caterpillar into a butterfly. In the words perceptions of those great persons are like of Dr Deepak Chopra, a scientist and a the “new corn” after harvest. New Age thinker, “when the consump- J. Krishnamurti says: “Look within, tion exceeds its metabolic needs, [the you are the world.” It means the whole caterpillar] ... starts to die. ... A gene world exists in the individual conscious- that was lying dormant in the caterpillar ness as a perceptual experience. A similar wakes up .. . [as] the butterfly ... with the tone is found in the Sufi saint Rumi’s flight to freedom.” Similarly, there is a statement when he says: “Do you know “Seed imperishable” — bijam-avyayam what you are? You are a manuscript of a as the Gita says — that is hidden inside divine letter. You are a mirror reflecting a every human being. When there is a long- noble face. Look inside yourself; every- ing for freedom or expansion from with- thing that you want, you are already that.” in, it gets unfolded as the “Self” — all One gets the experiential knowledge that encompassing, all embracing. Our limited the self, or consciousness, that is within finite individual consciousness merges me, is the self that is within every being — with the infinite consciousness like a within a beggar, a rich man, a saint, a thief, wave settling down in the sea. a dog, a fly, and a plant as well. Once the Indian mystic saint Rama- The Iºâvâsya Upanishad declares that krishna Paramahamsa was seen seated when the seeker has identified himself with in the temple in a meditative posture all beings, that is, when he sees Oneness before the idol of Goddess Kali, put- everywhere, there can be no grief or delu- ting the flowers on his own head which sion (verse 7). Delusion, grief, fragmenta- were meant for the Goddess. When tion, separation are the language of the

Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Theosophist 15 Looking Within to Reach Out outer world. At the circumference, there Once the individual is transformed, love, is diversity, multiplicity but at the centre compassion, caring, generosity come all is One. spontaneously. The question may arise: Is it necessary Our growth, the transformation that to look within in order to reach out? For a happens within, is not self-centric but theosophist the answer is “Yes”, because other-centric. A tree grows until it becomes the inner foundation needs to be strong to large enough to provide shelter to who- hold the outer weight. As Annie Besant ever comes under it without discrimina- states: “It is impossible to help others un- tion. A flower exudes fragrance for others. til you have obtained some certainty of Annie Besant’s challenging advice on your own. If you want to lift a person service implies “a shift from intellectual- out of stormy waters your own feet must izing about it, to feeling the reality of the be on the rock.” (Talks on the Path of action — a shift in consciousness, a soul- Occultism, vol. III — Light on the Path, to-soul connection”. p. 419) A theosophist is an altruist above Great Masters, even after their lib- all, says HPB. There are people who do eration from the cycle of birth and a lot of charitable work and show com- death, choose to live in this world out passion. But that may not always be one’s of their own volition to serve and pro- real intent. There may be a hidden agenda tect suffering humanity with love and behind what one does. But with the compassion. Therefore, it is essential for awakening of Oneness from within, when each one of us to “look within” for self- the hands are extended to render service, it transformation, which is the need of the becomes purely selfless. In fact, the journey day, because the centre, the heart only from “looking within to reaching out” is connects us with one another and that a movement from selfishness to selfless- will establish the nucleus of Universal ness, from exclusiveness to inclusiveness. Brotherhood in the true sense. µ

Note: See the diagram on the following page.

Nobody even dreams how hard is the task of self-conquest, the subjugation of passion and appetite, the liberation of the flesh-prisoned Higher Self, until he has tried. Every such struggle is a tragedy, full of the most painful interest, and provocative of sympathy in the hearts of "good men and angels". H. S. Olcott “Asceticism”, Applied Theosophy and Other Essays

16 The Theosophist Vol. 139.5, February 2018 Looking Within to Reach Out

Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Theosophist 17 Tamil: the Glory of India Annie Besant on Giordano Bruno

GIORDANO Bruno cried out . . . with be made worthy of the Life Universal. a triumph and a transport of joy that This was the thesis upheld by Gior- seemed diabolical to the alarmed Church: dano Bruno in all the countries of Europe visited by him, in all the universities Yes! Yes! The earth with its inhabitants which opened their doors to him, in all revolves and moves in space; the worlds centres of thought. It was this view of life are innumerable, the universe illimitable, which fanned his eloquence into flame. life incarnates everywhere in forms. Science for him was not arid and sterile, Therefore life is universal, and on all sides a mere set of categories; it was a religion, creates living beings. This life, universal, fruitful and inspired. He loved science, he omnipresent, infinite, is the Universal Being preached science with all his fiery energy whom men have called God. On all sides and ineffable enthusiasm; he was the inhabited worlds, everywhere living beings! apostle of science, its fervid defender, and Then death can only disintegrate bodies; he became its martyr. For, to him, science it cannot touch life. Hence, the body has no meant occultism, the study of divine value except as an instrument for a life mind in Nature, the study of divine ideas which is deific, a life noble, loving, heroic, embodied in material objects. By study- worthy of being a part of the life universal ing objects, then, it was possible to read and divine. Fear, falsehood, baseness, the language of Nature, and to learn there- these are the real ills of life. in the thoughts of God. Such was the new moral basis, cor- But Christianity utterly refused his responding to the new thought, that message. Had it accepted it, the bitter Bruno offered to Christianity with a cer- conflict waged from the sixteenth to the tain naive expectation of friendly res- nineteenth century between religion and ponse: the Immanence of God, the Life science would never have broken out. Universal animating all bodies; the eter- The Church imprisoned the Messenger; nity of the Spirit, since by his very then burned his body to ashes, and scat- nature he is part of the Life Universal; tered the ashes to the winds, which carried based on these two natural and irrefrag- them as seeds of truth over Europe. . . . able facts, the cult of the True, the Good, His thoughts have winged their way and the Beautiful, the life heroic, the only to immortality, and they are spreading over way in which the specialized life could the modern world; they are Theosophy. µ

Annie Besant was the second international President of the Theosophical Society from 1907 to 1933. Extract from Giordano Bruno: An Apostle of Theosophy, pp. 32–35.

18 The Theosophist Vol. 139.5, February 2018 J. Krishnamurti J. Krishnamurti

RADHA BURNIER

THE connection between J. Krishnamurti there were many who could not listen. (Krishnaji as he was affectionately known) The very fact that he denied to himself and the Theosophical Society was broken, all authority was radical. Those who not because he left — as many members expected the “World Teacher” to manifest believe — but because people were not through Krishnamurti had, as he himself ready to listen to a profound message declared in 1927, a picture in their minds given in terms they were not accustomed of what would be said and what the to hearing. It is not the first time that this function of Krishnamurti would be. A has happened. The Jews would not listen picture is a static, material form projected to Jesus when he came to teach. The by the mind, and Krishnaji pointed out that majority of Hindus did not respond for as long as the picture was static, people long to what the Buddha had to say. Most were happy and satisfied. When the pic- people like to revert to their accustomed ture came alive they were disturbed. thoughts, their habits, their convenient Obviously, it is so much more convenient theories and ideas even when they are to deal with something which does not shaken up, for radical change is both speak or act, except as the person wants. difficult and “inconvenient”. But every- An image can be made to play a role which thing which is profound is radical. Truth satisfies. It was expected of the “World cannot temporize and compromise, and Teacher” that he would tell people what we like to compromise and to have the to believe, define the “truth” and the role best of both worlds. In The Mahatma his followers were to play. Many may Letters, it is made very clear that one who have liked an important role for themselves is in earnest about the Path must abandon as followers and interpreters. But when the all his accustomed modes of thinking teaching came and Krishnaji denied his and ways of action. So members of the own authority, repudiated all following, Theosophical Society should have been refused any interpretation, it deflated the prepared to hear a new message. But when ego-sense of some would-be followers Krishnaji began to speak in a radical way, and dismayed others.

Mrs Radha Burnier (1923–2013) was the seventh international President of the Theosophical Society. Reprinted from The Theosophist, March 1986.

Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Theosophist 19 J. Krishnamurti Krishnaji made clear from 1927 that the open skies, the flower, every human he was not going to say what he had dis- being.” In his life this was the truth. This covered. In those days, people asked: was not just a grand statement; his was a What is the Beloved that you speak about? life which at no moment showed any And he answered: “I am going to be pur- thought of something being important and posely vague because, although I could others not; a feeling that some are low and quite easily make it definite, it is not my others high. He said it was his practice to intention to do so. Once you define a thing listen to everybody always. ‘I desired to it is dead.” People would have revelled in learn from the gardener, from the pariah wonderful descriptions of the Beloved, or [untouchable], from my neighbour, from whatever he discovered. In his Notebooks my friend, from everything that could and Journal, there are glimpses of an im- teach, in order to become one with the mense, unnameable something which he Beloved.’ To the end, he listened care- sometimes called the “other” because it fully, with attention and with affection, to had nothing to do with the this-ness of everyone, without distinction of high our world. The Upanishads, too, refer to or low. He responded with what might “That” which neither mind nor words nor have appeared to others as impractical thought can touch. What is heard with the generosity. Watching and listening to the ears — words remembered and repeated scientist, the intellectual, the politician, — are all part of the material brain. everybody, he saw into the core of things, Memory belongs to the region of no more. as a reading of his Commentaries on But people enjoy descriptions and become Living and other writings makes clear. He attached to definitions and labels. They had an enormous, perhaps boundless, would have liked him to label himself. capacity for affection. People use the word If he had been labelled they would auto- ‘love’ with little meaning. Ordinary love matically have been “disciples”, “apostles”, admits of jealousy, attachment, pettiness, or whatever they fancied themselves. But and so on. But his love was profound, he said: “When I began to think, I wanted overflowing, attentive, compassionate, to find out what was meant by the World utterly different from that of others. Teacher . . . and what was meant by his Many of those who listened to him over manifestation in the world.” Perhaps the the years felt the extraordinary power and manifestation was not what people talked upliftment which came through him in his about, but something which cannot be put talks, discussions and personal conversa- into words. Anyone who wants to find the tions. Most people like to have influence truth has to learn to think and discover and use it, but he frequently warned: “Do for himself and not accept descriptions, not be influenced by me.” Under his in- definitions, other people’s words. fluence people thought they understood, Krishnaji did give a little indication of but it was often a passing thing. When what his Beloved was: “My Beloved is someone understands truly through his

20 The Theosophist Vol. 139.5, February 2018 J. Krishnamurti own listening, learning and observing, Krishnaji said that when there is no then there is a steady light and that is what attachment, the border between death each one has to find. and life is very thin. He showed life and So right from the beginning, when he death in a different light. The death of began his work, he made it clear that he the body is generally thought to be was not trying to convince or persuade tragic, something to talk about for a long anybody. All that he did was to try to time. Physical distance also is taken as awaken perception and the desire to seek “separation”. Krishnaji said that when he out the truth without holding on to was away he missed nobody. He may have authority, repeating statements or quot- been near to everybody all the time ing books — even his own. When there because he was one with the immensity is real desire to seek for the truth, then and timelessness of all life. each person becomes free. When there Some ask: “Was not his teaching ab- is authority, there is bound to be fear. struse, removed from the life of the ordi- Authority is shaky; it creates insecurity, nary man?” It was just the contrary. His fanaticism, dogmatism. teaching was profound but not abstruse; He was like a flower which sheds its it concerned the lives of ordinary people fragrance around, not concerned with who for it threw light upon the ego-problem is passing by or what the passers-by think which is the only problem which exists, of it. This is the quintessence of the action and which produces fear, love of power, without seeking results that the Bhagavad- disappointment, hope, attachment, the gitâ refers to. Numberless people have desire for continuity. So his was a message talked about it, memorized the words and for the everyday life of every man, woman ideas in great books, but the truth is far and child, but it was also a message which from their lives. When someone knows could take one beyond the everyday life the truth he may or may not talk; but his to the very heart of existence, its truth, life is filled with beauty and fragrance. its beauty and its peace. µ

Any love, any affection, which has a motive, which has a purpose, is no love at all; and we only love when we have no motive. J. Krishnamurti

Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Theosophist 21 The “Gift of the Gods” The “Gift of the Gods”

ALI RITSEMA

THE “gift of the gods” is a beautiful ex- of the ancient arts and high civilization pression used by Koot Hoomi Lal Singh in a higher form has come. (KH) in The Mahatma Letters (ML) 11/28, In the same letter KH also states: 3rd chron. rev. ed., adding that this gift is “We will always find volunteers to replace the most precious relic of all. KH is talk- the tired sentries, and the world, bad as it ing about “the new civilization”, stating is in its present state of transitory period, that it will be the child of the old one, and can yet furnish us with a few men now that the eternal law will take its own course. and then.” Therefore, let us try to find out We have the weakness, he says, to believe what we, students of Theosophy, can do in ever recurrent cycles and hope to to hasten such a possible and most wel- quicken the resurrection of what is past come event and, even better, become and gone. The revival of our ancient arts volunteers for their work. and high civilization are sure to come It is clear from this fragment that back in their time and in a higher form. their knowledge, “the gift of the gods”, We could not impede it even if we would, is always available in every so-called yet we are anxious to hasten the welcome “civilization”, and it is often referred to event. Fear not; our knowledge will not as Divine Wisdom, or Truth. It is very pass away from the sight of man. It is the likely that the founding of the Theo- “gift of the gods” and the most precious sophical Society (TS) and the publica- relic of all. tions of H. P. Blavatsky (HPB) such as This expression in the ML really appeals The Secret Doctrine, The Key to Theo- to me, especially so because the world is sophy, The Voice of the Silence, the many in need and, in my view, can only be pro- articles from her pen — often in cooper- perly helped when we do everything we ation with the Masters — and the publica- can to get it into a better state. This is only tion of The Mahatma Letters are part of possible when humanity in general will the quickening of the resurrection of what grow towards a more spiritual level of con- was in the past. sciousness. Maybe the time for a revival When we are serious in our intention

Ms Ali Ritsema is a long-term member of the Theosophical Society and former General Secretary of the TS in the Netherlands.

22 The Theosophist Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The “Gift of the Gods” to help humanity towards a more spiritual ML 126 / 62 that their Knowledge and consciousness, we are greatly helped by Science have to be earned by ourselves. the available teachings to get some feel “Is any of you so eager for knowledge for and understanding of the gods and this and the beneficent powers it confers as precious gift, their knowledge. to be ready to leave your world and come In the Letters of H. P. Blavatsky to into ours?” KH asks in ML 2 / 2. Here we A. P. Sinnett (LBS)-Appendix II of ML also find: “True, we have our schools and it is stated that there are two different teachers, our neophytes and shaberons kinds of knowledge: real and unreal. Real (superior adepts), and the door is always knowledge deals with eternal verities and open to the right man who knocks. And primal causes, standing independent of we invariably welcome the newcomer; our belief or unbelief, but unreal know- only, instead of going over to him he ledge deals with illusory effects and has to come to us.” requires faith — it rests on authority. It is Now the question arises whether we the adept alone who possesses the real are eager enough to become a benefi- knowledge, his mind being en rapport with cent power in and for the world, which, the Universal Mind. The adept has made in my view, means whether our motive the perfect junction of his soul with the is the right motive and whether our drive, Universal Mind in fullness. and thus our effort, is persistent enough The Universal Mind is the aggregate to earn their knowledge and science. And of all the minds of the Dhyan Chohans, the if so, how can we earn this knowledge highest gods; they are Divine Intelligen- and science in order to become a bene- ces charged with the supervision of the ficent power in and for the world? For, Kosmos. They answer to Divine Wisdom. “the iron rule is that what powers one gets Thus real knowledge is the “precious he must himself acquire”. (ML 65/11) gift of the gods” and it is available for And when we do want to enter their those who are able to bring their mind in world, what then is the difference with tune with the Universal Mind, like the “our world”? What are the qualities or adept is able to do. The adepts have kept nature required of the “right man”, for and still are keeping their knowledge whom the door is always opened? accessible for humankind: They are the Let us try to get a clearer picture of what link between men and the gods and are a is required. What strikes me and what necessity in Nature and super-Nature, seems of utmost importance for the Masters according to H. P. Blavatsky Collected is the sense of duty. This is what KH Writings (CW) VIII, p. 401. The continuity states: “But my first duty is to my Master. of this link is unbroken. And duty, let me tell you, is for us stronger Every student of the Theosophical than any friendship or even love; as with- teachings is seeking for / interested in this out this abiding principle which is the inde- real knowledge, but KH makes it clear in structible cement that has held together

Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Theosophist 23 The “Gift of the Gods” for so many millenniums the scattered labour, nor before you set to work. It is custodians of Nature’s grand secrets, our upon the serene and placid surface of the Brotherhood — nay, our doctrine itself unruffled mind that the visions gathered — would have crumbled long ago into from the invisible find a representation in unrecognisable atoms.” (ML 126/62) the visible world. Otherwise you would And in the same letter we find: “You vainly seek those visions, those flashes of have not the faith required to allow your sudden light which have already helped Will to arouse itself in defiance and con- to solve so many of the minor problems tempt against your purely worldly intellect, and which alone can bring the truth before and give you a better understanding of the eye of the soul. It is with jealous care things hidden and laws unknown.” that we have to guard our mind-plane Master KH makes also clear in this from all the adverse influences which letter that the path to occult or secret daily arise in our passage through earth- science is difficult: it “has to be trodden life.” (ML 65 / 11) laboriously”, he states, “and crossed at the From the above, the impression might danger of life; every step in it leading to arise that coming to real knowledge is very the final goal is surrounded by pitfalls much about head-learning, but when we and cruel thorns; the pilgrim who ven- take a closer look it becomes clear that tures upon it is made first to confront and it is about “inner tuition” — intuition, conquer the thousand and one furies who “seeing” with the “spiritual eye”. For a keep watch over its adamantine gates clearer comprehension of the occult and entrance — furies called Doubt, doctrine it is necessary to come to an Scepticism, Scorn, Ridicule, Envy and understanding from within, to see things finally Temptation — especially the latter; as they are, with the eye of the soul, in a and . .. he must be possessed of a heart clear way, unveiled. and soul clad in steel, and of an iron, KH puts it as follows in ML 126/ 62: never-failing determination, and yet be “Unfortunately, however great your pure- meek and gentle, humble, and have shut ly human intellect, your spiritual intui- out of his heart every human passion, that tions are dim and hazy, having been leads to evil”. never developed.” Every student of this real knowledge However, every one of us possesses will experience that the teachings are some- the faculty, the interior sense, known as times inconceivable and mind-boggling. intuition, says H. P. Blavatsky in her Therefore KH gives the advice that “for article “The Beacon of the Unknown”, a clearer comprehension of the extremely “but how rare are those who know how abstruse and at first incomprehensible to develop it! It is . .. the only faculty by theories of our occult doctrine, never means of which men and things are seen allow the serenity of your mind to be in their true colours. It . .. grows in us in disturbed during your hours of literary proportion to the use we make of it, and

24 The Theosophist Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The “Gift of the Gods” ... helps us to perceive and understand of altruism in deed, word, and thought; real and absolute facts with far more for that practice purifies the covers of the certainty than can the simple use of our soul and permits that light to shine down senses and the exercise of our reason.” into the brain-mind. As the brain-mind is (CW XI, p. 253) This faculty, intuition, the receiver in the waking state, it has to is a power by which we can gain true know- be purified from sense-perception, and ledge, it is a power of the perception of the truest way to do this is by combining truth, which makes it possible to deal with philosophy with the highest outward universals and then proceed to particulars. and inward virtue.” (CW X, p. 349–350) This leads us to the same question It seems that vanity often blinds what the student asks: “Tell me some ways was at first a strong intuition, closing the by which intuition is to be developed.” mind effectually against the admission The answer of the sage is as follows: of a new truth and making us jump to a conclusion without having studied the First of all by giving it exercise, and subject fully and before the teaching has second by not using it for purely personal been fully expounded, listening only to ends. Exercise means that it must be fol- lowed through mistakes and bruises until the voice of self-adulation and clinging from sincere attempts at use it comes to to views, whether right or wrong. The its own strength. This does not mean that Lord Buddha particularly warned his we can do wrong and leave the results, hearers against forming beliefs based but that after establishing conscience on a upon tradition or authority, and before right basis by following the golden rule, having thoroughly inquired into the we give play to the intuition and add to its subject. (CW X, p. 129) strength. Inevitably in this at first we will In CW IX, p. 400-G, in an article on make errors, but soon if we are sincere it “Conversations on Occultism” between will grow brighter and make no mistake. a student and a sage, the student asks how We should add the study of the works of one is to know when he gets real occult those who in the past have trodden this information from the Self within. The path and found out what is the real and sage, in his answer, points out: “Intuition what is not. They say the Self is the must be developed and the matter judged only reality. The brain must be given from the true philosophical basis, for if larger views of life, as by the study of the it is contrary to true general rules, it is doctrine of reincarnation, since that gives wrong. It has to be known from a deep and a limitless field to the possibilities in store. profound analysis by which we find out We must not only be unselfish, but must what is from egotism alone and what is do all the duties that Karma has given us, and thus intuition will point out the road not. ... The power to know does not come of duty and the true path of life. from book-study nor from mere philos- ophy, but mostly from the actual practice In The Secret Doctrine vol. I, p. 46fn,

Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Theosophist 25 The “Gift of the Gods” HPB explains that the inner spiritual eye tively small importance. But if thought and the faculty which manifests through of, dwelt on in the Mind, the effect is a it is not clairvoyance as ordinarily under- thousand times greater. Therefore it is stood, that is, the power of seeing at a dis- above all things of importance that the tance, but rather the faculty of spiritual thoughts should be kept pure. Our lower intuition through which direct and certain nature must so be purified that it vibrates knowledge is obtainable. in unison with the higher nature, and this How to obtain knowledge was also is not easy. Even an Adept, when in a made clear in a statement attributed to her: new body, has to do the same and finds it difficult. (CW XII, p. 692) Knowledge comes in visions, first in dreams To be able to get glimpses of real and then in pictures presented to the inner knowledge, their knowledge, from within eye during meditation. Thus have I been through our inner eye, requires hard and taught the whole system of evolution, the strenuous inner work. We are greatly laws of being and all else that I know — helped and supported by the available the mysteries of life and death, the work- teachings so that we do not lose our way ings of karma. Not a word was spoken to on this journey inward. It depends a great me of all this in the ordinary way, except, deal on our determination and zeal how perhaps, by way of confirmation of what successful we shall be, but if we persist, was thus given me — nothing taught me our understanding will grow gradually, in writing. And knowledge so obtained is and to the measure of our understanding so clear, so convincing, so indelible in the we can pass it on to others. The portion impression it makes upon the mind, that of this gift of the gods, of this precious all other sources of information, all other relic, which humanity received through methods of teaching with which we are the teachings passed on by HPB and the familiar, dwindle into insignificance in Masters, has not been given for no rea- comparison with this. (CW XIII, p. 285) son. It is an attempt to quicken humanity’s To render active the inner vision, the evolutionary journey towards a more spir- student must purify his whole nature, itual level of consciousness. If we are ser- moral, mental, and physical. If the Mind ious about becoming a beneficent power is not perfectly pure, it cannot preserve in and for the world, let us try to join the recollections coming from a higher state. higher forces and not forget to keep a con- An act may be performed to which little stant eye to the human progression and per- or no attention is paid and is of compara- fection that the Secret Science depicts. µ

The sacrifice or surrender of the heart of man and its emotions is the first of the rules; it involves "the attaining of an equilibrium which cannot be shaken by personal emotion." H. P. Blavatsky, Practical Occultism

26 The Theosophist Vol. 139.5, February 2018 Beyond Illusion Beyond Illusion

CLEMICE PETTER

Much has been said and written about human beings live in the darkness of a Truth. Many feel that they know what it prison, and so we are afraid of the shining means to live a spiritual life, that they know Sun outside the walls erected by our own the way, the “practices” that are required, mind, the walls of belief and prejudice, and how to come to Truth. We easily for- the walls of “knowledge”. get what teachings have pointed out; it has Because we have been moulded in a been said in the Upanishads, by Jiddu certain pattern, we think that to follow a Krishnamurti, and by H. P. Blavatsky: pattern is the way of life. Each one has those who say they know, do not know. his own formula about what others should The assumption that we know may be the do or be. Of course, we do not apply our greatest illusion of them all. If we look theories to ourselves, in our own life; but closely into the history of humanity, we we want others to apply them in their lives. will see that those who thought they knew, We are sure about what is wrong in the who were sure and created formulas and world and how it has to be corrected, but moulds for life, who thought they knew, we are helpless in our own home. We do and so put themselves into the position not know how to end our sorrow, our daily of dictating how others should live; uncertainties, and deep fears, nor do we those are the people who bring misery know how to talk with our children when and corruption. they ask the simplest and most innocent Our social structure is built on moulds questions. The fact is that we do not know of ready-made answers to the challen- how to relate, how to live together in har- ges of life. Our educational systems are mony and cooperation. Division and com- directed to shape the child’s mind in a petition has been the way of human beings pre-established direction. We assume we on this earth. know what the correct way of life is, and So, what is it that we really know, not so, we train our children to be as miser- what we think we know? We have read able as we are. We do not know freedom, many things in books and listened to peo- therefore we are afraid to let it flower; ple’s conclusions, therefore we think we

Ms Clemice Petter is a long-term member of the Theosophical Society in Brazil, now serving as a volunteer at the TS Headquarters, Adyar. Talk delivered at the international Convention 2016-17.

Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Theosophist 27 Beyond Illusion know. The more we read, the more we eyes: the insane destruction of the envi- think we know. The more we think we ronment, pollution of water and air, and know, the less we understand. Know- deliberate poisoning of our own food. ledge closes the door to understanding; We are destroying our own home and this is very easy to see, if one is willing are incapable of seeing it; therefore we to look. Therefore, the great enemy of cannot change. humanity in its present stage of ignorance To go beyond illusion we first need to is knowledge. This may sound contra- understand the world created by it. The dictory, but it is not, because ignorant is world in which we live, a world that knows he who does not know himself. It does no compassion, that is becoming more not matter how many books one has read, and more violent, brutal, and competitive. whether these books are holy or mun- There are those who say that competition dane, or how many titles one carries in is the way, that we need to be competitive front of one’s name — if one has no self- in order to progress. And this only shows knowledge, one is an ignorant man. If one how little we understand. We need to is aware of what is going on in the world, question what we call progress and civ- one will see that the present social struc- ilization. To teach a child in school to be ture is the outcome of human ignorance. competitive is a crime against humanity, Science has advanced tremendously in for, competition kills the cooperative the last century, but has not been able to spirit, and to teach children a formula solve the most basic human problems; on for life, telling them what they should the contrary, our problems are increasing. feel, how they should love, or even worse. We live in the era of information — never To tell them what love is, is to kill inno- before in the history of humanity have we cence and make the mind dull. Real had so much knowledge — and yet, we education is to allow the child to think are facing the biggest crises ever. We know for herself, not to teach her what to think. so much, but we understand so little ... So far we have not understood this simple Knowledge is not helping man to awaken and obvious fact. human nature — kindness, compassion, Blavatsky warned about the need to and responsibility — which remains hid- understand the ways and means of the den. And to come upon it we need to mind, so that we are no longer slaves of understand ourselves. Self-knowledge is it. In the very first page of The Voice of the key that opens the gates of this self- the Silence, she wrote: “The mind is the imposed prison, it is the way to freedom, great slayer of the Real. Let the disciple and this freedom is freedom from the slay the slayer.” She said that we must “me” and the “mine”. Without freedom, “seek out the raja [the king] of the senses, to acquire more and more knowledge the thought producer, he who awakes inevitably leads to self-destruction, as one illusion”. She wrote it more than one can see happening right in front of one’s hundred years ago; how many of us have

28 The Theosophist Vol. 139.5, February 2018 Beyond Illusion really given attention to this basic teach- It may appear to be possible; after all, the ing? very few, it seems. mind is expert at make-believe. Krishnamurti travelled the world over There is no way out of this self-imposed for more than sixty years explaining in prison in which human beings live. Self- a thousand different ways these short knowledge is the key, and this was made and deep statements made by Blavatsky. clear by Blavatsky when she wrote in the How many of us are capable of listening Preface of The Voice of the Silence: to him? No teacher before Krishnamurti The Book of the Golden Precepts — some has gone so deep and explained in such a of which are pre-Buddhistic while others detailed way the awakening of illusions belong to a later date — contains about and the means and ways of the mind — ninety distinct little treatises. Of these the great slayer of the real. But because I learnt thirty-nine by heart, years ago. To his language is simple and he does not translate the rest, I should have to resort present himself as an authority figure and to notes scattered among too large a number does not promise anything, very few are of papers and memoranda collected for the capable of listening. last twenty years and never put in order, Krishnamurti does not claim to know, to make of it by any means an easy task. he invites you to travel with him, to find Nor could they be all translated and given out for yourself, to walk together as to a world too selfish and too much attached friends; and walking together is very to objects of sense to be in any way pre- difficult for us, because we are used to pared to receive such exalted ethics in the authority, we worship authority, the right spirit. For, unless a man perseveres authority established by the mind. We are seriously in the pursuit of self-knowledge, incapable of seeing the destructive nature he will never lend a willing ear to advice of authority in the psychological realm. of this nature [italics added]. To go beyond illusion we need to feel the urge, to be serious about it, and be able Those who have been studying The to stand alone. So the first thing to realize Voice of the Silence understand that is our own ignorance; again Blavatsky Self-knowledge is at the very beginning; had warned about it. But we like to think it is the first step. Without it one is blind that we are great people and that we know. and deaf in spiritual matters. So it is worse It is vanity that makes us blind, and in- than useless to keep reading books if one stead of starting with the first step we think is not willing to take up the inner journey that we can jump to the last one; instead that will reveal the illusions projected by of starting to walk, we think that we can the mind. begin with arriving. But there is no short- Many say that to go beyond illusion is cut or miracles that can make us under- only for the few, that it is not for every- stand the mechanism of our illusion-maker, body; we would rather say that it is for this thinking machine called “mind”. those who are serious, for those who are

Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Theosophist 29 Beyond Illusion interested in Truth, no matter what it takes is put to sleep by beliefs. The mechanical to come upon it. It is for those who are no mind without the light of intelligence is longer enchanted by the sweet song of bound to create more and more misery, illusions awakened by the desire for as it has been happening in the world. comfort, either physical or psychological. It is the illusion of separateness, which So the real difficulty in this matter is how has divided us into “me” and “you”, my much one is willing to let go — how much country and your country, that is destroy- one is willing to look at, to go into oneself. ing the house in which we live — the Earth. Teachers have said that the “me” is the The power of this illusion is such that it primary illusion. Intellectually, we know makes us blind and incapable of seeing this, but we cannot understand or see it. that we are destroying the very womb in We fail to understand that this “me” is the which we are developing. In the last 50 creation of the mind, and as long as we do years, in the name of this that we proudly not understand its ways and means we can- call “progress”, we have destroyed the not see the illusions that are its products. environment at an unbelievable speed. The mind is a blind tool meant to be We are blind and think that we are used by intelligence, the difficulty of intelligent and civilized people, but reality which is that human beings have made shows the opposite; we are as barbarian a blind tool into the supreme king — a as we were two thousand years ago or blind king worshipped by ignorance. The even more. We have to change now, not delusion that there is intelligence in the in the future, because human behaviour mind is created by the false impression has become a threat to life on this planet. that because we have developed a great To transform society, we need to deal of technology, we are intelligent. But transform ourselves, and this is very technology is basically the knowledge of obvious; we cannot have a different society the mechanical process of things, whereas with the same kind of mentality that has intelligence is far beyond the mechanical. created this mess. To bring order into the For intelligence to come into being it world we need to bring it into ourselves requires the development of the mind and first. To think that we can help humanity the heart; intelligence means Love, Com- out of our disorderly and conflicting passion, and Responsibility. Respon- thinking, feeling, and behaviour is the sibility is in the sense of being able to same as to believe that it is possible to respond, and, for that, we need first to be clean a house making use of a dirty mop capable of listening. To listen, we need to and muddy water. be sensitive, therefore, for intelligence To go beyond illusion is to end the to come into being we need to work hard; “me”, the birthplace of all human misery it is not a job for a lazy mind, a mind that and degeneration. µ

30 The Theosophist Vol. 139.5, February 2018 There Is No Other There Is No Other

PEDRO OLIVEIRA

IN her Blavatsky Lecture delivered at the literal meaning, the soul a realization of Centenary Convention of the English what the purpose of human existence is Section of the Theosophical Society on and the spirit a dimension of freedom 30 July 1988, Radha Burnier said: suffused with a profound sense of oneness with all that is. The tradition of yoga, contrary to common Those who are trying to understand belief, is not confined to India, and it is Theosophy at a deeper level and therefore not an esoteric activity into which only a live it, may be in the position of the samurai few can gain entry. It is related to a uni- who visited a Zen Master and asked him versal stream of enquiry and understanding to be shown the way to Heaven. In the which flows across the ages in the diverse first visit instead of answering the ques- schools concerned with the transcendence tion from his visitor the Master offered of man. In Egypt and Greece, in Sufi lore, him some tea. And also in the second visit. in the teachings of the Buddhists and Needless to say that the samurai was Taoists, in the Christian tradition, in the growing impatient. Tantra and Vedanta, at the heart of the Tradition says that in the third visit and outer teachings there is a way of life and a after the Master once again offered him training appropriate to the inner quest and tea, the samurai, just for a fraction of a direction signified by the word “yoga”. second, and without moving his head, She seems to suggest that a genuine glanced at his sword which he had left at teaching which springs from Wisdom and the door of the house, as a sign of respect. not from speculation is like a vast stream He did not realize, however, that he was that always moves forward, renewing in the presence of a fully attentive and itself, never stationary, but taking the sensitive person. At the very second he student to deeper and deeper levels of glanced at his sword the Master laid his realization and true understanding. As head on the small table in front of him Origen suggested, a teaching has a body, and said, pointing to his neck: “This is a soul and a spirit. The body may be the the way to Hell. Strike.” The shock to the

Mr Pedro Oliveira is Education Coordinator for the TS in Australia, former International Secretary, and later Head of the Editorial Office at Adyar. Talk delivered at the international Convention 2017–18.

Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Theosophist 31 There Is No Other samurai consciousness was so intense that that the concepts — ideas in the Platonic he understood his situation and himself tradition — are offered to the student in so completely and attained enlightenment. order that he or she may assimilate their If we remain fixated on the body of liberating essence which lies in the depths the teaching and thus develop a mere of the Universal Mind. Theosophical intellectual rapport with it, we miss a great study, HPB suggested, is a form of Jnana deal. The history of religions and spiritual Yoga, a transformative enquiry that leads movements bear testimony to the end- from Being into Be-ness. less — and heated — divisions caused by More than twenty years ago, in a talk a literal grasp of the teachings. Such held at the Headquarters Hall at Adyar, divisions are essentially based on a bitter Radhaji said: “We aspire to tread the Path dispute for the source of scriptural author- because we have heard a call. And to tread ity as well as the tyranny of “the only valid it means to move closer and closer to the view”. Such an attitude can never reach Source of that call so that it can govern the living stream of truth that lies always our lives completely.” above mental representations of any kind. However, the svarupa of Theosophy, As stated in the little booklet Madame or the Wisdom in its very essential and Blavatsky on How to Study Theosophy, “no pristine form, lies at a dimension which picture will ever represent the TRUTH”. is completely free from representation, The Theosophical Glossary defines the ideation, and conceptualization. All gen- word “psyche” as “the animal, terrestrial uine Theosophical teachers, from the Soul; the lower Manas”. The soul of the infancy of humanity until now, have teaching has to do with profound and emphasized that the uncreated Spirit of mind-stretching metaphysical principles Theosophy is the undivided Oneness and concepts. They are not concepts that of all existence, in the words of HPB, can be found attractive by a worldly mind. “that which binds not only all MEN, Some of the principles presented to us are but also all BEINGS and all things in the clothed in the language of paradox. In her entire Universe into one grand whole” article “The Great Paradox”, HPB warns (“Is Theosophy a Religion?”, H. P. us that “the paradoxes of occultism must Blavatsky Collected Writings, vol. X). be lived, not uttered only. Herein lies a Let us see how several traditions, in- great danger, for it is only too easy to be- fused with a true Theosophical spirit, come lost in the intellectual contemplation describe the path that leads to that funda- of the path, and so to forget that the road mental experience, which is referred to in can only be known by treading it”. the Sanskrit language as sâkshâtkara, “to The risk inherent in this deeper level see with one’s own eyes” — a direct, un- of the teaching is that the mind may mediated, untranslatable realization that become so utterly satisfied and dazzled the entire, boundless existence is One. with concepts only, thus failing to realize The Christian mystical tradition speaks

32 The Theosophist Vol. 139.5, February 2018 There Is No Other of via purgativa, via iluminativa and via It is difficult to find a more precise and unitiva. The first stage is to purge the eloquent definition of meditation: “like an consciousness of the grosser forms of the alabaster vase, white and transparent”. In sense of self-attachment, self-delusion, the depths of real meditative practice self-importance, separateness. The second hardly anything personal is left and all stage is to bring clarity to the mind by chromatic reactions have disappeared. pondering on essential, universal truths. The Upanishads state that in order to In the third stage the mind, merged with know Âtman, the true Self, which is the larger consciousness, becomes a pure identical with Brahman, the Boundless vessel for the truth of truths — the Unity Reality, one should proceed through three of all life. stages: ºravana, manana, nididhyâsana The Buddhist tradition mentions ºila, — listening, reflecting, meditating. We can samâdhi, prajñâ — harmonious and re- see for ourselves the truth that real listen- sponsible conduct, the education and ing brings about both order and sensitivity purification of the mind, and wisdom. in our consciousness as it has the capacity In all traditions one’s actual conduct is the starting point. There can be no other. of ending every form of noise that the per- Former ªankarâchârya of Kanchipuram sonal mind, in its unawareness, produces. Swami Chandrasekharendra Saras- To reflect in a deeper sense is to seek to wati Mahaswamigal, once wrote: “Self- contact the essential meaning of that which Knowledge is the longest journey to the we ponder upon. When such reflection nearest place.” The journey is long be- reaches a level of inner maturity and quiet cause we very often get lost in the labyrinth it morphs into a meditative state of aware- of our own mind. The Viºvasâra Tantra ness that may be a prerequisite to move pronounces the same truth differently: further towards the truth of existence. “What is here is there: what is not here The source of such exalted teachings, is nowhere.” one would hesitantly venture to say, lies In this stage harmony is an imperative in a consciousness suffused with Wisdom for one to proceed further. When that is and Compassion. For it seems to fully ac- done with some degree of success one knowledge the fact that the human mind can move further in order to understand suffers from age-old limitations and that all the mental currents and habits and spiritual progress and spiritual evolution begin to educate the mind towards quiet proceed rather slowly, although traditions awareness. The last stage is beautifully speak of advanced souls who can move described in the Third Fragment of The swiftly through these stages into the field Voice of the Silence: of unconditioned awareness and insight. The Dhyâna gate is like an alabaster vase, The Wisdom-Teaching approaches the white and transparent; within there burns human condition with objective and yet a steady golden fire, the flame of Prajñâ compassionate eyes, putting before us a path that radiates from Âtman. that begins in our daily life and eventually

Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Theosophist 33 There Is No Other helps us to see it anew — not as a field of into every first truth. (Mahatma Letters) pleasure, achievement, power-seeking, In the Eleusinian Mysteries in Ancient self-aggrandizement, and pride. But as a Greece, the final stage on the Path was field of learning, of constant service, of called epopteia, “to see things as they are”. multiple opportunities to be of help. Another definition of the same Greek One of the Custodians of true, peren- word is “the vision of eternal truth, good- nial, unsectarian Theosophy, shared with ness, and beauty”. This discovery is indeed us his insight into the extraordinariness a rediscovery — a remembering — in the of life: language of Plato, of that we have always Believe me, there comes a moment in known at the very core of our conscious- the life of an Adept, when the hardships he ness: that in this world, in this planet, in has passed through are a thousandfold the vast solar system and in the bound- rewarded. In order to acquire further know- less universe there is no other. ledge, he has no more to go through a In the words of that great master- minute and slow process of investigation builder, St Paul: “. .. we are members and comparison of various objects, but is one of another.” (Ephesians 4:25) accorded an instantaneous, implicit insight Is this not the great open secret? µ

I am all orders of being, the circling galaxy, the evolutionary intelligence, the lift, and the falling away, what is, and what isn't. You who know Jelaluddin, You the one in all, say who I am. Say I am You. The Essential Rumi Translations by Coleman Barks

34 The Theosophist Vol. 139.5, February 2018 Theosophical Work around the World .: Mrs Linda Oliveira, General Secretary of the TS in Australia, Lily Boyd, and international officers Ms Nancy Secrest, Treasurer; Mrs Deepa Padhi, Vice-President; Mr Tim Boyd, President; and Ms Marja Artamaa, Secretary Front row from l. to r General Secretary of the TS in India, Mr Pradeep Gohil, lights lamp prior to opening International Convention at Adyar (31 Dec. 5 Jan.)

Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Theosophist 39 Theosophical Work around the World

Thiru Banwarilal Purohit, Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu, receiving gifts from Ms Marja Artamaa, with Mr Pradip Gohil to her right, after the Governor's address to the international Convention in the morning of 1 Jan.

Prof. Lokesh Chandra, President, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Delhi, with international President Tim Boyd, prior to the former’s Besant Lecture on “Tamil: The Glory of India” in the evening of 1 Jan.

40 The Theosophist Vol. 139.5, February 2018 Theosophical Work around the World

Impressions of a first-timer at Adyar Damodar Gardens, and by the discipline I just wanted to give you all my heart- and devotion of those KFI schoolkids. felt thanks for being so sisterly and There have been a lot of people from the brotherly to me — and to Tim Boyd for United Lodge of Theosophists (ULT) having the confidence in me to give me watching the live stream of this confer- the opportunity to speak. More important ence. I have been getting many joyous than speaking, though, is that I have really emails. There has been a real healing come here to learn — and learnt I have. happening within and between the theo- It is simply unfathomable, the depth and sophical organizations through the vision the wonderful wisdom of this place: walk- of my father, Jim Colbert, Jan N. Kind ing around these grounds, listening to the with Theosophy Forward, and through birds, seeing the wonderful sunlight as it many people feeling in their hearts that filters down through the trees, and going we really are all brothers and sisters. to the ocean to see the sun come up. One I checked on something this morning morning at the beach, there was a dense from “The Great Master’s Letter” where it cloudbank totally obscuring the sunrise. says that the Theosophical Society (TS) It was just about as opaque and solid- was chosen as the cornerstone of future seeming as the great Himalayan range. religions. I have always wondered how I thought, “Okay, well, the invisible sun is that could be, how a society could be a more important.” But just before 7 am, cornerstone of something so important to the clouds opened up and this incredible, the future of humanity. The magic of this big, orange sun came through. Then it place, the open-heartedness, the incredi- became veiled again; then it came through ble coherence of heart — it isn’t all same- again. This happened three times. ness. Like the varieties of flora and fauna I have enjoyed all of the one-on-one observable on the grounds, there is also conversations; there is so much happen- abundant diversity of approach to wis- ing in them. I have enjoyed all of the dom here. Yet, I think I have found in heartfelt lectures, symposiums, and the mystery of Adyar, something of why question-and-answer periods; and also the Great Master could have said what the beautiful music, such as the hymns he said about the TS. Like the sun itself, sung in the Liberal Catholic Church. it is generous, magnanimous, and mag- I have enjoyed the Indian music and netic. Thank you for allowing me to par- meeting the Indian brothers and sisters take of the profound process of the here. I was very much moved last even- heart that pervades this place. ing by the wonderful play that was put JONATHAN COLBERT on about the life of the Buddha in ULT Santa Barbara, CA, USA

Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Theosophist 41 Theosophy: A Way towards Universal Consciousness Theosophy: A Way towards Universal Consciousness

SABINE VAN OSTA

PONDERING upon the theme of this into the driving force of the symbology. edition of the European Congress of the And that is what is so theosophical about Theosophical Society, “Theosophy as a the theme of this Congress. Way towards Universal Consciousness”, Because of the universality and the many symbolical images can come to one’s power of this symbology, once we get mind, one of them being the image of the the touch and feel of it, we can recognize fire and the spark. This is one of those it in whatever domain of expression or images that seem too simple to even be life around us, and foremost in those mentioned and yet because of that sim- domains that we do not necessarily think plicity they are often as profound as the of when we busy ourselves with a subject ocean or as wide as boundless space. like timeless wisdom. Connecting time- One could easily say a symbol like that less wisdom with the grocery store at the does not need an explanation, everybody corner, a classroom, an office, a science lab, understands mentally what is said here and a production site, a fashion show, a starv- what the image stands for: the identity of ing child, or even war, seems more dif- essence between the fire and the spark and ficult. And yet, the symbology, the play all the possibilities and potential that are of energies of Universal Consciousness, implied by that identity, including and fore- can potentially be found in all those situ- most the return of the spark into the fire ations and places, through all their joy and and the conditions to let this return happen. sorrow, and we could discern the way to It is indeed so; an explanation is not Universal Consciousness articulated in what is needed if we wish to go further often unexpected, bizarre, authentic ways than mere mental understanding. To come if we are only willing to look, if only we to realize what the image really stands for, come to the said openness of the heart and to live it as profoundly as possible, to be- clarity of vision. come it, this needs openness of the heart, But unfortunately, we often fail to see clarity of vision, inner realization, merging the ways of divine Nature because of a

Mrs Sabine Van Osta is General Secretary of the Theosophical Society in Belgium. Talk given at the European Congress, Barcelona, Spain, August 2017.

Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Theosophist 35 Theosophy: A Way towards Universal Consciousness narrowed view and heart despite all the our community, on our planet, in the en- good efforts of many thinkers, scientists, tire Universe, the right balance and respect yogis, sadhus, saints, religious practi- are paramount. tioners and meditators of all traditions. The right balance is heavily guarded One of the more contemporary formu- by that one universal law, the Good Law, lations of the ways of divine Nature, or, as H. P. Blavatsky calls it, the law of considered more acceptable by a broader cause and effect. Every disturbance in a audience of today are for example the balance will result in a new balance on four laws of ecology as formulated by the basis of that law. Barry Commoner (considered to be the Looking again at the many domains father of the ban on atmospheric nuclear of human activity on the planet, it is testing). — 1917-2012: obvious that often the balance is far away from a sustainable equilibrium. We see 1. Everything is connected to everything this for example on an economic level in else. There is one ecosphere for all living many, if not all, societies, among the organisms and what affects one, affects all. genders, among communities defined on 2. Everything must go somewhere. There the basis of all sorts of criteria. We see is no “waste” in Nature and there is no the consequences and often feel powerless “away” to which things can be thrown. to change something about it, however much we would like to do so. So, there is 3. Nature knows best. Humankind has the example of the blatant economic im- fashioned technology to improve upon balance in the world, ridiculous concen- Nature, but such change in a natural system trations of power and means and riches is, “likely to be detrimental to that system”. on the one hand, and ridiculous, in- 4. There is no such thing as a free lunch. humane poverty on the other. Despite this Exploitation of Nature will inevitably in- deplorable situation, the spark of a world volve the conversion of resources from order without poverty and a more even useful to useless forms. and just distribution of the riches of the planet has still not been extinguished and These laws are theosophical to the bone. inspires a fair number of people to under- We could consider them a contemporary take initiatives that are the seeds of the rephrasing of what Theosophists call the economic structures of tomorrow, like all Universal Brotherhood, which has, as one types of sustainable economies. An ever- of its key elements, the interconnected- growing number of these initiatives see ness of all things, regardless of whether the light of day: they have as a common we consider this element from the con- ground the understanding that our current, sciousness or the material point of view. purely competition-based system, that And with that interconnectedness comes completely misses out on the earlier men- also the importance of finding the right tioned four laws of ecology, will ultimately balance and respectfulness. Whatever we destroy the planet and its inhabitants. do, in whatever process that is realized in Instead are positioned systems which base

36 The Theosophist Vol. 139.5, February 2018 Theosophy: A Way towards Universal Consciousness themselves on sharing, caring, recycling Many artistic expressions, almost despite and an intelligent use of the world’s re- themselves, depict the way the hero needs sources and make them available to the to go “back home” while in the act he needs many in a sustainable way. And with these to overcome many obstacles, outer obsta- come lifestyles that encourage a more cles but even more inner ones. conscious, respectful way of living. We What can we say about exact, material could consider this process, towards a sus- science — of whatever domain of inves- tainable economic future for all, as part tigation it might be — that is ever looking of the way to Universal Consciousness, for the One Element that is substantial a way that also our planet as a living entity to all that exists, or for the One Cell out is supposed to be going. And every effort, of which all cells can be created, or that however small, that matches this fre- One Cure that can cure all diseases, or quency of sustainable and respectful that One Power or Energy out of which activity and energy inevitably and un- all other powers can be generated. Call it deniably helps ourselves and our planet what we like, but in essence science is in achieving the goal which is Universal looking for ways towards Universality Consciousness. and, instinctively without knowing or The narrowed view and heart which admitting it does this, it is looking for the was mentioned earlier, also causes us to source of Consciousness which is Uni- underestimate the power of the many and versal Consciousness. the diverse. However, their value and This itinerary towards Universal Con- meaning should not be taken too lightly. sciousness was uniformly sought out by Theosophy as the way to Universal Con- the different religions humanity has re- sciousness implies respecting the ways ceived. The essential message of any of Nature which is the way of planting religion is that of the reunion of the spark seeds, as many seeds as possible. This is with the fire, the merging of the spark into so for the outer side, which is not really the fire. Unfortunately, many beautiful the outer side, and this is also so far the religious expressions of this truth were inner side which is not really the inner side forced out of balance, into unimaginable either. Planting as many seeds in us as well twists and turns, to convert these tools for as in our communities, seeds of light in self-development we call religions into all directions, in all circumstances and all tools for submission, abuse and terror, conditions. It is a process that can only be exactly the opposite of that for which they obstructed temporarily, that might be were given to humanity. Also in this case, deviated from its course for a while, but the way forward for many of the problems that never can be deviated forever let alone that arise out of religious gridlocks on be wiped out. The driving force here is our planet consist again in the respect identical to the force that propels the many of the power and the value of the many back to the One, like a kind of return home. and the diverse. And to do that, religious

Vol. 139.5, February 2018 The Theosophist 37 Theosophy: A Way towards Universal Consciousness practitioners are better off with an adaptive snow melts before its door as early in the inner and outer behaviour, rather than with spring. I do not see but a quiet mind may crystallized scriptures or rituals, of which live as contentedly there, and have as cheer- they have lost the symbolical meaning; ing thoughts, as in a palace. they are better off with catching the spirit Once all the elements are in place for and inner attitude rather than staying the seed to germinate wherever it is, in trapped by or hooked to fixed formu- whomever it is, the seed will inevitably lations. For those who by their tradition germinate because that is the innate are inclined to personify a creator, God mechanism in the Universe: anything or whatever they call this all-powerful is possible if the conditions are right. entity, even for them there might come a No effect without the right set of causes; moment for dropping the personification no set of causes will remain without which till then had helped them so much, its corresponding effect. Together with and going directly to and merging into Universal Consciousness and our con- THAT, the Universal Consciousness — nection to it, this law is the very ground going home. for the reality of Universal Brotherhood We might very well find out, that all And all that can be found here and now. the time, home was not that far away at For insight and consciousness to emerge, all. That apart from some useful inner it is never too late. exercises, it was mostly a matter of find- I would like to conclude with the trans- ing the right switch deep in us. Many lation of an ancient Sanskrit poem by one of us are familiar with the teachings of of the greatest classical Hindu writers, J. Krishnamurti: they deal with just that, Kâlidâsa, a poem that says it all: preparing us to find the switch and the insight to go beyond our own limitations Look to this day: and conventions. The same principle of For it is life, the very life of life. going beyond limitations and conven- In its brief course lie all the verities tions was poetically formulated by Henry and realities of your existence. David Thoreau in his Walden: The bliss of growth, The glory of action, However mean your life is, meet it and The splendour of achievement live it; do not shun it and call it hard names. Are but experiences of time. It is not so bad as you are. It looks poorest when you are richest. The fault-finder will For yesterday is but a dream find faults even in paradise. Love your life, And tomorrow is only a vision; poor as it is. You may perhaps have some And today well-lived, makes pleasant, thrilling, glorious hours, even in Yesterday a dream of happiness a poorhouse. The setting sun is reflected And every tomorrow a vision of hope. from the windows of the almshouse as Look well therefore to this day; brightly as from the rich man’s abode; the Such is the salutation to the ever-new dawn!

38 The Theosophist Vol. 139.5, February 2018 .gr [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] info@theosophicalsociety [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Email address [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] gentina Ar eosófica African Theosophist eosófica Chilena est eozófia eozofija eosofi eosofía en Le Lotus Bleu Ilisos Gangleri T Adyar T T The Theosophical Light T Magazine Selección T Revista T Le Lotus Bleu Theosofi Newsletter Sophia The Indian Theosophist The Light Bearer The South African Theosophist The W Theosophy in Australia Theosofie Adyar … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … 2194 hlkreis . ü Alto) s (1405) Aire 09, indsor E W Abajo, W aranasi 221 010 V estlands, ve., , Apartado 23 00926 02/ R A W T ironkatu 7 C 2, Fin 00170, , BC t., 106 71-Athens V , 2 Cuadras A Accra, Ghana Arcos no. 43, Entrada Principal Agueda 1652 Les Chalet Col venue, No. 03-04 ancouver venue Centre, Singapore 387 603 A V . 39, 93138 Lappersdorf A oukourestiou S Theosophical Society V Helsinki San Juan Puerto Rico Estacion Central, Santiago Bagmari Road, Kolkata 700 054 SGAS Quadra 603, N. 20, UK BT52 1T Desa Purwodadi, Kecamatan 67163 Pasuruan, Jawa Timur CEP 70200-630 Brasilia (DF) North Nairobi, Kenya 1 Cuadra al Sur 1 Cuadra al Sur, Distrito 2, Managua, Nicaragua Sims eosofinen Seura, 4 Square Rapp, 75007 Paris Hauptstr PO Box 1257 Ingolfsstraeti 22, 121 Reykjavik T 25 50 Gloucester Place, London W1U 8EA H-1085 Budapest, Horánszky u. 27. fsz. 10 Calle Santa Apartado de Correos 6365, La Habana 10600 Apartado 8-6710-1000, San José Siget 11, 10000 Zagreb, Republic of Croatia Carrera 6, # 56-40, Bogotá (Chapinero Casilla 11 Sucursal Paseo Estacion, PO Box 14525. 00800, 540 Sims B/4-3, Iswarchandra Nibas, 68/1, Place des Gueux 8, B1000 Brussels Pasaje Jauregui No. 2255, La Paz Pje. Florencio Balcarce 71, Buenos … Address 97 Mountsandel Road, Coleraine, # 12-1475 Deep Cove Rd. Dsn. Parelegi no. 21, R The Reparto Los PO Box 720, 9 Ronean, 38 Princesses Level 2, 162 Goulburn St., Surry Hills, NSW 2010 Oberbaumgarten 25, 4204 Haibach im M … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … Jr , I N T E R A O L D C Y

Sandoval de , etc. Rios an Osta A. Fariñas Piña V Guillermina Antonio Martinez Pradeep H. Gohil Darko Majstorovic Albert Schichl Mrs Jeannine (Nano) Leguay Mrs Manuela Kaulich Mr Kristinn Ágúst Fridfinnsson Mrs Mirva Jaatinen Mrs Eirini Kefaloudi Mr Mrs Jenny Baker Mr Janos Szabari Mrs Magaly Polanco Ms Barbara Ms Maria Orlich Mr Mr Mr Cesar Ortega Ortiz Mr Narendra M. Shah Mr Chong Sanne Mr B. L. Bhattacharya Mrs Sabine Mrs General Secretary Mrs Marie Harkness Mrs Maryse DeCoste Mr Widyatmoko Mrs Ligia Gutierrez Simpson Mr Sergio Carvalho de Moraes Mr Esteban Langlois Mr John Osmond Boakye Mr Jack Hartmann Mrs Linda Oliveira Mr … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … est p W Central Central * France Germany Iceland Finland Greece India England Hungary † Dominican Rep. † Cuba Croatia Costa Rica † Colombia † Brazil Chile * Africa, East and Asia, East and Bangladesh † Belgium Bolivia Section Ireland * Canada * Indonesia America, Africa, Argentina Southeast † Africa, South Australia Austria * ate 1899 1902 1921 1907 1928 1891 1888 1907 1987 1905 2007 1997 1937 1920 1920 D 1947 1920 1990 2013 1911 1965 1919 1924 1912 1929 1956 1909 1895 1912

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44 The Theosophist Vol. 139.5, February 2018 BOOKS BY C. W. LEADBEATER HC* SC* The Astral Plane 200 The Chakras 350 Clairvoyance 300 The Devachanic Plane — Or the Heaven World 100 Dreams — What They Are and How They Are Caused 100 The Hidden Life in Freemasonry 350 250 The Hidden Side of Lodge Meetings 50 The Hidden Side of Things 500 How Theosophy Came to Me 120 The Law of Sacrifice (with C. Jinarajadasa) 50 Man, Visible and Invisible 250 The Masters and the Path 600 The Monad 150 Occult Chemistry 1000 An Outline of Theosophy 150 The Perfume of Egypt 200 The Power and Use of Thought 100 The Science of the Sacraments 500 400 The Smaller Buddhist Catechism 50 Talks on the Path of Occultism Vol. I 500 350 Talks on the Path of Occultism Vol. II 250 250 Talks on the Path of Occultism Vol. III 250 A Textbook of Theosophy 300 200 Thought Forms 350 To Those Who Mourn 80 * HC = Hard Cover * SC = Soft Cover For catalogue, enquiries, and orders, write to: THE THEOSOPHICAL PUBLISHING HOUSE 1, Besant Avenue, Adyar, Chennai - 600 020, India Tel: (+91-44) 2491-1338; Book Shop: (+91-44) 2446-3442 Twitter: twitter.com/tphindia // E-mail: [email protected] Websites: ts-adyar.org & adyarbooks.com Online Bookstore: amazon.in: Seller - TPH Adyar Facebook: facebook.com/tphadyar // WhatsApp: (+91) 86103-65836

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