A True Disciple Moves Among
Men and Events Serene and Unshaken
John Garrigues
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Editorial Note:
“The Key to
Steadiness” was first published
anonymously by
“Theosophy” magazine, in its
January 1922
edition, pp. 77-78. An analysis of
its contents and
style indicates it was written by
J. Garrigues. The original title was: “Steadiness”.
(CCA)
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Steadiness presumes
a control of the body, the senses, the mind and the feelings out of regard for
the end in view. If that end be any but the highest, true steadiness cannot be
had. This is because the end itself will not be steady, and thus the being who
strives for it sways with the movement of the swaying goal.
Hence the teachers down the ages, including those of
our own day as well as the ancients, warn us: Always keep the main purpose in mind; the object of our alliance
must never be lost sight of.
What is that object, the main purpose for every true
student of theosophy? It is union with
the Higher Self - no less than that - a conscious realization of and oneness
with our God.
This seems a far off ideal to many. We know we are not
ready. Years of education, of
experience, of changing ideas and ideals, of wavering goals, have passed in
this one life alone for most of us. We are of the race, moved by the race
ideas, sunk in and bound by its fancied civilization: environment, both inner and outer, is so
strong! Sometime and in some incarnation we will be ready, we think - ; a good
many lives after this one. This is a personal
position, of course, and hence a weak one. No real steadiness can ever come
from a stand like this.
Only the Self is permanent. Only the permanent can be
steady. We are that Self, that God, that Highest - the “main object” is the
realization of That.
So by dwelling upon the idea, by taking the position -
taking and re-taking it patiently, persistently and without discouragement - we
will find ourselves moving towards a steady goal. And steadiness comes silently
but increasingly upon us, like any other knowledge or acquirement worth having.
We find we are beginning to have some
of it, beginning likewise to understand and value it. Then can we get to work
to investigate, exercise and use these powers and instruments of ours. The
driver sits firmly in the chariot, makes true use of the reins, learns to
control his horses and drive them to their proper work.
The steady disciple moves among men and events of
whatever nature strong, serene and unshaken - able to discriminate between one
thing and another, able to solve problems because he can see them as they are,
ready and able to meet efficiently the duties of life as they present
themselves, able to help other souls as they need and ought to be helped. The
fire of the Self burns strongly in him: he must stand firm and steady against
its very exhilaration, lest he come to feel its power as his power, and thus fall from the akasha to the lower astral light - from steady impersonality to the
wavering personal position again. But the very fire, Self-fed, sustains and
feeds him and by its power, for others, miracles may be performed. No wonder a
Teacher said, “It strengthens and improves, even the circumstances of life.”
We can strive, then, for steadiness by holding to the
main object, by taking and re-taking the true position daily, hourly, from
moment to moment. There is no other way. We shall see that nothing is small, nothing
is great, all is life, all interesting and valuable experience. An elevation
comes with steadiness, a confidence, a sureness, a nobility - and a humility.
The reward of its attainment must be rich and wonderful beyond speaking, for
one would then become a Master of life.
“Om is the bow, the Self is the arrow, Brahman is
called its aim. It is to be hit by a man who is not thoughtless; and then as
the arrow becomes one with the target, he will become one with Brahman. Know
him alone as the Self, and leave off other words. He is the bridge of the Immortal.
Meditate on the Self as Om.”[1]
NOTE:
[1] J. Garrigues is quoting here the lines from the Mundaka Upanishad which open the
article “Hit the Mark”, by William Q. Judge. See “Theosophical Articles”, by
William Judge, Theosophy Co., Los Angeles, 1980, volume II, p. 389. (CCA)
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In September 2016, after a careful analysis of the state of the
esoteric movement worldwide, a group of students decided to form the Independent Lodge of Theosophists,
whose priorities include the building of a better future in the different
dimensions of life.
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