The Way to Wisdom Depends on
the Correct Use of Personal Energies
John Garrigues
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The following article was
first published
at “Theosophy” magazine, Los Angeles
its edition dated December
1927, pp. 63-64.
Its original title is: “The
Modern Vice”.
An analysis of its contents
and style
indicates it was written by
Mr. Garrigues.
(C.C.A.)
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“Thou
seest in another
what
thine own heart holds”.
No
vice more aptly illustrates the ancient aphorism than that of hypocrisy. No
vice more despised, yet none so universal. Without its all-pervading presence
the fabric of civilization would fall apart. Do we exaggerate? Let any man for
himself picture the sequelae of
one day spent in acting precisely as he feels!
No philosophy is more inimical to this universal vice than Theosophy,
yet no human being is under greater temptation to its indulgence than the
individual theosophist. His character -
that is to say, his Karma - is part and parcel of racial and national Karma.
The conscious and unconscious deceit in his Soul is that of the human race. But
in study and appreciation of a high and noble philosophy lies a subtle trap:
such exercise stimulates in one a self-esteem based upon that very ability to
understand and appreciate. Altruism is oft-times another name for spiritual
self-indulgence. Meditation upon high philosophy too many times leads to
forgetfulness that the meditation is - only meditation. In that case the plant
of self-esteem, growing from the mud of the human nature, transforms itself
subtly into a growth of hypocrisy out of all proportion to the normal ratio.
Having become theosophists intellectually,
we gratify ourselves with the heady wine of contempt for those who do not
choose to be theosophists, theoretical or otherwise.
Having some knowledge of Karma, our feelings for those who understand it
not, become, instead of impersonal compassion, a contemptuous derision - a
self-satisfied wonder at the obvious follies of human race. It is quite within human power to refuse to
entertain the thought of one’s deficiencies, and in course of time to hypnotize
oneself into the belief that they have been overcome.
Better by far to recognize one’s own faults, even that of hypocrisy,
than to become hypocritical to oneself as well as to the outer world. The
recognition of a deficiency, by the pain involved and the relative humbleness
entailed, will open a breach where the light of Spirit can shine into the lower
nature.
Vices cannot be uprooted by a single act of will, for sometimes they
penetrate every fibre of the nature. On the other hand, all powers are spiritual, though forever self-transformative.
The whole problem, then, is soluble by the wise distribution and use of
personal forces. Power turned to spiritual and altruistic use is power drained
from the areas of the lower personal self, and so with the converse. If personal energies are fully devoted to
spiritual use, leakage into the world of the lower self will cease.
Times there are, certainly, when the lower nature, endowed by our own
folly with a vigorous and maleficent life, will awake to the danger of
starvation and take a ravening offensive. In such cases the utmost of
repressive will-power may be necessary for a time. But in general,
self-reformation depends upon constructive work in the opposite direction. Many
there are who, after years or a lifetime of battle with the lower self, have
resolved no more to concentrate upon that self, but forget all of self in service,
without regard of personal victory or personal defeat. It is the better way.
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