Our Thinking

While sharing the same ideals, co-workers in a group may have different points of view. This diversity represents the richness of the whole community as well as its capacity to federate like-minded individuals. According to the theosophical teachings there are three main streams in the process of universal evolution: the physical, the intellectual and the spiritual. The operational mode between the physical and the intellectual streams is based on struggling, competing, confronting, whilst the operational mode between the intellectual and the spiritual is based on cooperating and learning. Some abstracts of writings and some short articles are here presented to illustrate the diversity of thinking being part of the one-pointedness of our ideals expressed in the three objects of the Theosophical Society.

BEACONS FOR A WORLD IN MOTION: A CLEAR MIND, A PURE HEART

Sabine Van Osta

Theosophy is about seeing the backbone of life in every possible manifestation, theosophy is about preparing oneself for the experience of and the cooperation with the Divine, in safety. It all starts with a clear mind and a pure heart and the unshakable confidence proven by the real life experience of countless generations of yogis and occultists, that true knowledge can come your way if the time and our condition are right.

In the Idyll of the White Lotus it is said in this way:

"There are three truths which are absolute, and which cannot be lost, but yet may remain silent for lack of speech.

• The soul of man is immortal, and its future is the future of a thing whose
  growth and splendour has no limit.
• The principle which gives life dwells in us, and without us, is undying and
  eternally beneficent, is not heard or seen or smelt, but is perceived by the
  man who desires perception.
• Each man is his own absolute lawgiver, the dispenser of glory or gloom to
  himself; the decreer of his life, his reward, his punishment."

If and when the conditions are met on all levels of existence, anything is possible for anyone. The right conditions can be as good as anything at any given moment at in any given time, the imaginable as well as the unimaginable.
It is all about the exact combination of elements which perfectly fits the specific players and circumstances of a given situation, and most importantly the element of grace.

Grace is the ultimate and right key to that specific lock that needs to be unlocked: the human soul, prepared and ready to disappear and therefor move beyond its boundaries. This is the whole point about self-realization, peace on earth, humane living conditions for all and the solution to many a problem that humanity faces, however gruesome it might look today. On top of that, wherever we look for the keys, they are most likely to be found in each one of us and with a high probability, we could define the starting point of the journey as a clear mind to work with in all our endeavours and a pure heart as the keeper of our firm conviction that we can do better than what we are doing for all that lives on our Earth and purify ever more our thinking, feeling and acting with Love.

The possibility to keep our minds clear and our hearts pure, i.e. the possibility to open up for divine Love is part of our divine heritage which awaits each one of us if only we  ruly want to. This is what theosophy teaches us. We can like this heritage or not. We can consider ourselves capable of realizing it or not. The fact remains the fact and theosophy offers this advantage: it accepts and states the fact no matter the back ground of the individual or life form, regardless of our opinions, those mental ornaments of our personality.

THEOSOPHICAL TEACHINGS: AN OVERVIEW (Abstracts of Articles)

THE HERITAGE OF WISDOM

Trân-Thi-Kim-Diêu

Humanity is the turning point where consciousness gains this capacity of self-reflection. A human being not only knows for instance that he is in a location, but he also knows that he knows that fact. Self-consciousness is indeed a tremendous power, the power of becoming a ‘fully conscious god’ that is more than any mere god! This is why even the devas – angels and gods – have to become humans at certain stage of their evolution in order to learn this lesson of self-consciousness.

What is this lesson of self-consciousness to be learnt? Does learning not mean to be completely aware, then drop and go beyond? This learning consists of being aware of the turning point represented by the human stage, to accept fully and deal with all its implications, then leave them and remain undisturbed. On this subject, N. Sri Ram said:

‘The truly spiritual man is not limited by any label; there is no surface of resistance in him to throw back the forces that impinge upon him from without. What ever strikes him is just registered, comprehended, and then gone.’ - Thoughts for Aspirants - Second Series  - N. Sri Ram

This means going from the beginning until the end without missing any step in the process of consciousness unfolding within him. An individual who has learned this lesson becomes more than just an average human. He has realized that there is a heritage of wisdom and he is claiming it. This occurs when the buddhi principle begins to be activated in his being.

The whole matter of spirituality could be summarized in one short statement: unfold what is within. Wisdom is realizing to some extent the unfolding of what is within. In order to unfold what is within, one has to know what is. The keyword is watchfulness. Unless one is watchful, one cannot see what happens outside and inside oneself.

MODERNITY OF THE ETERNAL TEACHINGS

The teachings of Theosophy, giving a satisfactory presentation on various subjects, such as cosmogenesis, anthropogenesis, oneness of life, universal laws, evolution, self-culture and self-knowledge, does not have the pretence of being the holder or the custodian of Truth, but undoubtedly points out by valuable explanations to every learner the way towards Wisdom which is right perception, discrimination and realisation of right understanding of the Truth.

It has been stated more than once that Theosophy was given to humanity during the last quarter of the 19th century because of special cosmic conjunctures, due to social conditions on earth and the level of development of human consciousness at the time. These repetitive statements suggest that Theosophy, as it was presented, was one step towards the whole process of revelations of the Truth for the human mind, and consequently uttered an unpronounced promise of further steps to come. This confirms the existence of a whole, perfect and living teaching which relentlessly reveals itself in the course of time but does not depend upon time. The Ancients know this Teaching as the Eternal Teaching (Sanatana Dharma) …

…The Eternal Teaching also states that hidden by the appearance of space and beyond, so to speak, in the heart of it, dwells the One Spirit, the ever ‘being-as-such’, the ever intelligent and ever blissful. It is the immutable causeless Cause, interpenetrating each and all, guiding from within the inter-play of forces through the substance of space, then through organised matter toward increasing complexity, refinement and harmony of forms whilst unfolding within them the same three aspects of, consciousness, intelligence and bliss on a larger scale and subtler quality.

THE YOGA OF THEOSOPHY

Every human being has the duty to realize its divine nature and has the right to walk his own way towards the Divine. The way itself is no difference from yoga, or religion – the re-unification of self with Oneself or the Divine. The need for practising a yoga, and prior to this, the pondering over the issue of the human nature and destiny is a testimony for maturation of the soul. The feeling of something lacking despite occupations, the satisfaction incurred by these, together with moments of happiness, prove that knowing intellectually becomes insufficient at a certain moment.

Practising actually does not necessarily mean going with one of the numerous yoga schools. Who can pretend to do so nowadays? And would it be wise at all to do so? The exposition of the six great philosophies (Shad-Darshanas) together with the explanations on yogas – from the beginners’ to the royal one – will not be of any help if they remain on the level of theory, because, to refer to Nagarjuna, one of the greatest minds, all intellection without Self-realization amounts to nothing. In the age of Iron – Kali-yuga – time is no longer for speculations. It’s time for realization.

WE ARE PART OF THE HARMONY

Patrizia Moschin Calvi

In my opinion Theosophy is the expression of the beauty inherent in everything, for it can be found in the harmony of evolution and in all Beings.

But the universe will gain its own perfection only if all its parts fulfill their own innate functions. In order to fulfill our own dharma and to be of optimum service, it is equally necessary to find out our essential nature and be in harmony with it, no matter how difficult it is to sense that calling or how attractive and rewarding other paths seem to be. In any case we should not follow those other routes, for there is no real liberation except through our chosen inner path, which is only ours and nobody else's.

In doing this, we will have the privilege of meeting those brothers and sisters who possess the highest ideals and a truly fraternal, farsighted vision. Through their help, we will be able to see the path even when it is hidden by the darkest overgrown vegetation.

Sharing is a primary need for human beings. There can neither be faith, transformation nor liberation without such exchange. Sympathetic listening is a real act of love, a distinctive attitude that marks us as true theosophists.

Such an attitude leads us to redefine our social patterns and set them again according to a virtuous net - which is not virtual – a net in which, as Rifkin says in The Empathic Civilization, we can cooperate, participate, share, feel responsible and integrated, setting examples of renewal in the current phase of defining new humanism.

So let our action be realized for the sake of all beings, in the name of that "right acting" that contributes to the true evolution of the Whole, ennobling all the efforts we make and inspiring those who are with us.  As is said in Light on the Path, “Let us hear the song of Life. Let's learn from it that we are part of the harmony”.

WHAT IS ‘THINKING’?

Els Rijneker

1. Is ‘thinking’ the capacity of the brain to discriminate what we receive through our senses, the ability to judge, to learn and to take practical decisions in daily life? Certainly, using the brain is necessary to help us take decisions how to preserve and train the physical body.

2. Is ‘thinking’ the ability that animals lack, but that human beings can develop when they grow: through intellect to intelligence, the ability to go beyond the practical, beyond words into abstractions? Yes, human beings can make a connection with beauty, with the production and enjoyment of real art, with compassion and love. I understand this to go beyond brain thinking, to make a connection with levels of spirituality.

3. Is ‘thinking’ the logos principle that stood at the beginning of the universe? Yes!

As far as I know these viewpoints are correct.

Why does the title mention ‘our’ thinking? Well, we could transfer thinking beyond the personal levels of relatives and friends, beyond national levels, even beyond the human kingdom. It might embrace the whole of nature, the universe, even universes.

Being a student of life, with lots of lessons to be learned, and being a member of the Theosophical Society who wishes theosophy to be practical, I take the liberty here for a short exploration of what could be my ‘thinking’ about what is the most important faculty theosophy offers us. We can read clearly what a good humane life stands for, in the instructions that H.P. Blavatsky has given in THE GOLDEN STAIRS: A clean life, an open mind, a pure heart, an eager intellect, an unveiled spiritual perception …

In Dutch, the word for a human being is ‘mens’, connected with the mental, the thinking principle of manas, of mind. It is exactly this potential of mind that makes the difference between an animal and a human being. Broadly stated, an animal maintains the physical form in order for the species to continue. A wise human being could at a certain stage of his life suddenly understand that this physical body is only meant as a suitable vehicle for something much bigger to grow and develop: the soul, the spirit. Therefore the vehicle must be clean, and we can use our ‘mens’, the thinking principle, to help take decisions about that cleansing process. Here not only the practical cleansing of body, house and surroundings is involved, but, most of all, the cleansing of our thoughts, from old ideas from the past, from prejudices, from old pains and suffering. Discernment is needed to recognize and release old patterns. It is like homeopathy, similia similibus curentur (like cures like): using the mind to heal the mind. Thoughts are connected with emotions and these are difficult to work out. It takes strength and courage to do the hard work of discernment and cleansing: are there other experiences underneath the suffering we experience right now? If we are able to let go of old patterns and prejudices, our mind can be open to the new. Our thinking principle must be sharp and well trained: an eager intellect to learn and to unlearn. Then we might be able to lift a part of the veil and perceive something at thinner and thinner levels of spirituality. So, practical thinking, intellect, intelligence, spiritual perception: all steps to be taken through the means of ‘our thinking’. The effect is all embracing, unconditional love. To me this is the essence of theosophy.

EXPLORING THEOSOPHY

Rimo Lõiv

Divine wisdom, which is called theosophy, exists in a pure form as a state of mind. This divine mind can perceive and know life accurately and act according to divine laws it perceives.  It is far beyond doubts, dogmatism and intellectual reasoning. In every epoch of time, there have been humans to whom this divine mind is living truth and not idealistic dream. They have realized it through their ethical and unselfish way of living through effort extending from life to life.

However, this divine mind is not at all the general state of mind of human race, which reflects rather delusions and egoism.  That is why we need theosophy or divine wisdom on a  level where we can understand it, only then it can be a beneficial and truly meaningful. This is also the reason why different spiritual traditions have evolved. There is need for a spiritual path or teachings through which this divine mind can be actualized; otherwise it is quite a useless talk.

Theosophy as a teaching is not a bundle of complicated philosophical ideas borrowed from different authors or religious movements, consisting of ideas about karma, ethical behaviour, unselfishness, serving others, etc. Theosophy is not for a dreaming or talking about those ideas.  Spiritual wisdom is not achievable through thinking, because the purity and clarity of thinking is dependent upon our previous deeds. Spiritual wisdom is not the result of studying some books or repeating the sayings of others. This wisdom ripens in our mind only through ethical, unselfish and devoted life. One needs to be unbiased, free from prejudice and find out the way that suits for one’s mental dispositions. However, one should neither put too much trust on one’s dispositions, because they are only fruits of one’s previous mental inclinations. One should not forget that one is trying to find the truth and not something that one likes or dislikes. It is about finding the path and, after examining it, putting one’s whole trust and effort in that. It actually means that one has to become the path.

The Theosophical Society is an organization and as such it has many aims. One important thing it promotes is saying that life, even if full of suffering, has a deeper meaning and that there is a root of wisdom from where all true spiritual movements and religions evolve.

However, becoming a member of Theosophical Society does not make one a theosophist, it takes more than that. True theosophist should be a living example of unselfishness and ethical behaviour, which are supported by an understanding of the law of cause and effect. Only then it is possible to reflect the living ideal of theosophy to others as a path and home for the human soul. Otherwise, theosophy will remain in this world merely as a bundle of ideas and theosophists merely as nice persons. We can do much more than that.

THE SPIRITUAL PATH

Gary Kidgell

The spiritual path is commonly symbolised as a mountainous ascent. In seeking to ‘fast track’ our evolution we endeavour to scale the symbolic cliff face, compacting the lessons and experiences of many lives into a short few. Whilst the ascent of the symbolic cliff face is most arduous, the magnificent vistas which appear in the form of expansions in consciousness and elevations in our level of being render the process worthwhile as we discard the shackles that constrict us, turning away from the phantom apparitions cast on the wall of Plato’s symbolic cave.

Theosophy informs us that, as monads, we are challenged to radiate and express our spirituality amidst the stress engendered by a highly competitive and overtly materialistic culture. Whilst this is an immense challenge, we must not lose sight of the fact that, as part of its evolutionary journey, the monad is seeking to acquire ‘spiritual staying power’ whereby its hitherto latent spiritual qualities prevail regardless of our transient circumstances. We persevere in our ascent of the symbolic mountain in the knowledge that all life is interconnected and that our efforts are of benefit to humanity; to the planetary consciousness; and to the entire evolutionary process.

In the Bhagavad Gita the battlefield of Kurukshetra symbolises the confrontation between our higher spiritual nature (depicted by the good and righteous Pandavas) and the lower instinctual, desire-driven components of our psyche (represented by the self-serving Kauravas). The protagonist Arjuna is initially petrified at the prospect of having to confront teachers, friends and relatives who are assembled amongst the ranks of the enemy.

Similarly, when we tread the spiritual path there are negative aspects of our psyche which require removal, or transmutation. Some of these we may hold dear, but we must negotiate these if we are to proceed further on our symbolic ascent. It is the charioteer Krishna, an incarnation of the god Vishnu, who offers Arjuna the advice that infuses him with the necessary knowledge and courage which enable him to engage in the righteous and necessary conflict. Similarly, we attract the attention of  immortal aspect of our being — the Soul or higher Self by virtue of our spiritual disciplines of Study (of the wisdom teachings); Meditation; and Service (to humanity and our planet); allied to the expression of unconditional love as we exercise discrimination between the ‘Real and the Unreal’ i.e. between what is genuinely spiritual and that which is transient. On this basis, we overcome the orchestrations of the desire- driven mind and elevate this towards the shining light of Atma-Buddhi whereby we function as a spiritual instrument.

We may take an important step on our spiritual journey by recognising that everything emanates from within. The innermost aspect of our being is divine, and emanating from this deific source are qualities such as inspiration, aspiration, altruism, love, wisdom, compassion, self- sacrifice and all other factors that can serve to ennoble humanity and, ultimately, realise the divine intent upon our planet.

WHY DO WE NEED THE TEACHINGS

Alfonso Bayona

Throughout the ages, human beings have collected the wisdom of our ancestors which has allowed us to reach step by step a different and more advanced moment in evolution. Thanks to the study and reflection of the Ancient Wisdom from the East and other parts of the world, told through stories, tales and legends, the teachings have been transmitted to us and we humans have been able to delve into our own cultural, educational, religious conditioning to investigate ourselves, what we are, and what our purpose in life is.

H.P. Blavatsky has encouraged seekers to inquire into Truth. In her motto "There is no religion higher than Truth" she is telling us that Truth lies beyond all teachings. However, it is these same teachings that have guided many men and women in their individual quest for self-transformation. We must also recognise that had these teachings not been collected, it would have been much slower and more difficult to achieve a glimpse of what we understand as Truth, and it is through these teachings that have been handed down to us, and through the conscious practice of their precepts, that mankind is able to move forward on the path of its own evolution as a species.

Such study requires a certain amount of patience, confidence and perseverance as the content of the teaching is in some cases very easy to understand but in others, it requires more dedication and effort to understand. Sometimes it is necessary to know how to interpret the content.

When Arjuna questions Sri Krishna in the "Bhagavad Gita" that he does not want to face his cousins and other family, he is telling us in the form of an epic the struggle of oneself in the face of one’s own conditioning, short-comings and obstacles that eachone has to overcome.

A proper and correct interpretation of theosophical texts will help us to understand that the process of self-transformation is fundamental in the life of the individual in order to polish his personality and get rid of the different layers of density that we carry on our backs. In the Pythagorean school one of the obligatory precepts for theneophyte was the nightly review of his own thoughts as a review of the day’s events for reflection. This gave the student the opportunity to polish his personality in a long but effective process, until his initiation.

That is why the teachings are important. Because for us, human beings, the teachings, the Perennial Wisdom, gives us that opportunity which we must not miss in a short incarnation, for when the final moment comes, when our Consciousness asks us the question, "What have you done that shows me that you have fulfilled your mission in life?", we have something to offer.