On Getting Rid of Some Superficial Noises
Carlos Cardoso Aveline
garbage on commercial Television these days
In the final paragraphs of her book “The Key to Theosophy”, Ms. Helena Petrovna Blavatsky discusses the future of the modern esoteric movement, which she founded in September 1875. She says:
“Its future will depend almost entirely upon the degree of selflessness, earnestness, devotion, and last, but not least, on the amount of knowledge and wisdom possessed by those members, on whom it will fall to carry on the work (.....)”. [1]
In the first half of 21st century, it may still surprise one or two observers to find here and there an experienced theosophist who completely ignores the implications of these well-known words - and their key idea.
One should suppose that not all are blessed by the actual perception that they are existentially co-responsible for the present state of the esoteric movement - and for its future.
Fortunately, many are conscious of that. Yet even among those who honestly think of creating a better future one may find some who believe that the good of the esoteric movement depends on talking about the “fascinating” short term subjects, and not paying too much attention to the hard facts about karma and ethics in daily life.
The next step for these friends is to start turning the radio and TV on. One can be sure the TV will provide all kinds of shining commercial entertainments for them to pass the time.
As a matter of fact, though, attempting to be fashionable is a pathetically poor thing to do.
It also shows a high degree of mental superficiality. This is especially so when it comes together with the abandonment of the Original Intention of the theosophical movement and without the firm decision to challenge Organized Ignorance wherever it is. If one does not challenge ignorance, one is condemned to adhere to it - sooner or later.
What would be then the result of any well-intentioned attempt to move theosophical associations forward in superficiality, while carefully avoiding the “difficult” topics of their lives? The result could only be the inner death of the movement, followed by its outer disappearance. And this is not going to happen.
It is good that there are theosophists discussing the future. This is welcome. But the perspective from which one looks at the future should be examined. It must not be exceedingly shallow.
The future of the movement does not depend on marketing or public relations. It does not depend on radio and TV shows. The great challenge is not to enthusiastically smile to everybody all the time, whether there are or not any reasons to smile.
Long before H. P. Blavatsky - and long after her - the movement has ever, and will ever, depend on those who try each day to LIVE the teaching in their hearts. This has been true since before the founding of the Pythagorean school, if we want to refer to an ancient Western teaching.
The main classical version of the Golden Verses of Pythagoras are published in some theosophical websites.[2] These Verses are recent, just as H.P.B.’s teachings, and Seneca’s, Plato’s and Epictetus’. Pythagoras and HPB are contemporary, in fact. They lived in the same time. Three thousand years is a very short term. H.P.B. accomplished her Mission but an instant after Buddha, Lao-tzu and Pythagoras. She could expand a lot their teachings; but these four Helpers of Mankind are essentially contemporary in the scheme of things.
We are but beginning the preparation of the sixth-sub-race of the present mankind, which will take many thousand years more.
Real theosophy invites us to look at things from the point of view of the higher self.
The time (or rhythm) of the higher self is not that of commercial TV. It is not Twitter’s time. It is not the time of anxiety, and not the time in which insects of a day live.
It is that Time of freedom and vastness which secretly understands cycles of many thousands of years, and has perhaps a glimpse or two of that eternal, unfathomable Duration in which even Eternities take place - and vanish, one after the other.
NOTES:
[1] “The Key to Theosophy”, H.P. Blavatsky, Theosophy Co., Los Angeles, see p. 304.
[2] The Golden Verses of Pythagoras are easy to find at www.TheosohyOnline.com , www.Esoteric-Philosophy.com and www.FilosofiaEsoterica.com .
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