A Mahatma Writes on the
Best Way to Help Mankind
An Eastern Master
Our home and a
theosophical lodge can help
us have access to
higher levels of consciousness
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Editorial Note:
We reproduce below most of Letter 4 of “Letters
(TPH, 1973 edition). We leave aside the sentences
that are specific to the London city in the decade of
1880. We preserve everything in the Letter that has
universal value. Essentially the document can be
seen as if it were directly written to the Independent
Lodge of Theosophists and to all associations of sincere
students of the original esoteric philosophy. As a
historical text, the letter is addressed to Ms. Francesca
Arundale. Omitted fragments are indicated by ellipsis,
in parenthesis. In some sentences, we put words in italics
in square brackets in order to make understanding easier.
(Carlos Cardoso Aveline)
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…You are an officer of [your Lodge] and as such have a special
duty and opportunity.
It is not enough that you
should set the example of a pure virtuous life and a tolerant spirit; this is
but negative goodness - and for chelaship
will never do. You should even as a simple member, much more as an officer,
learn that you may teach, acquire spiritual knowledge and strength that the
work may lean upon you, and the sorrowing victims of ignorance learn from you
the cause and remedy of their pain. If you choose, you may make your home [1] one of the most important centres
of spiritualising influence in all the world.
The “power” is now
concentrated there, and will remain - if you do not weaken or repulse it:
remain to your blessing and advantage. You will do good by encouraging the
visits of your fellow members [of the
theosophical movement] and of enquirers and by holding meetings, of the
more congenial for study and instruction. You should induce others, in other
quarters, to do likewise. You should constantly advise with your associates in
the Council how to make the general meetings of the Lodge interesting. New
members should be taken in hand from the first, by the older ones especially
selected and assigned to the duty in each case, and instructed thoroughly in
what you have already learnt, so that they may be capable of participating
intelligently in the proceedings of regular meetings.
There is a strong disposition
to slur over the ceremony of “initiation” in such a way as to make no serious
impression upon the candidate. The method of the Parent Society [in India] may be unsuited to English
prejudices, yet to fall into the opposite extreme of undignified haste is very
much worse. Your ways of initiation
are a standing insult to every regular chela and have provoked the displeasure
of their “Masters”. It is a sacred thing with us; why should it be otherwise
with you? If every fellow took for his motto the wise words of a young boy, but
one who is a fervent Theosophist, and repeated with Bertram K. “I am a
theosophist before I am an Englishman”, no foe could ever upset your Society.
However, candidates should be taught, and old members always recollect, that
this is a serious affair the Society is engaged in; and that they should begin
the work as seriously by making their own lives Theosophical.
(…) You have accepted an
important service - the financial agency - and done wisely. Such aid was very
needed. If the members in Europe wish well to the Mother Society, they should
help to circulate its publications, and to have them translated into other
languages when worthy of it. Intentions -
you may tell your fellow-members - and kind words count for little with us.
Deeds are what we want and demand. L.C.H. has done - poor child - more in that
direction during two months than the best of your members in these five years.
The members of the (…) Lodge
have such an opportunity as seldom comes to men. A movement calculated to
benefit an English-speaking world, is in their custody. If they do their whole
duty, the progress of materialism, the increase of dangerous self-indulgence,
and the tendency towards spiritual suicide, can be checked. The theory of
vicarious atonement has brought about its inevitable reaction: only the knowledge
of Karma can offset it. The pendulum has swung from the extreme of blind faith
towards the extreme materialistic skepticism, and nothing can stop it save
Theosophy. Is not this a thing worth working for, to save those nations from
the doom their ignorance is preparing for them?
Think you the truth has been
shown to you for your sole advantage? That we have broken the silence of
centuries for the profit of a handful of dreamers only? The converging lines of
your Karma have drawn each and all of you into this Society as to a common
focus, that you may each help to work
out the results of your interrupted beginnings in the last birth. None of you
can be so blind as to suppose that this is your first dealing with Theosophy?
You surely must realize that this would be the same as to say that effects came
without causes. Know then that it depends now upon each of you whether you
shall henceforth struggle alone after spiritual wisdom thro’ this and the next
incarnate life, or in the company of your present associates and greatly helped
by the mutual sympathy and aspiration. Blessings to all - deserving them.
K. H.
NOTE:
[1] Note by C.
Jinarajadasa: “77 Elgin Crescent, Notting Hill, London, W., where H.P.B. was
the guest of Mrs. and Miss Arundale.”
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“How to Build a Theosophical Lodge” was published on the websites of the Independent Lodge of Theosophists in June 2017. It s also part of the October 2016 edition of “The Aquarian Theosophist”, pp. 6-7.
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See the article “Turning a House Into a Temple”.
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Read more:
* Some writings of Carlos Cardoso Aveline.
* Some writings by Jean des Vignes Rouges.
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