Actions and Attitudes
Speak Louder Than Words
The Theosophical Movement
Question:
How can I bring a loved one to Theosophy? She cannot
be made to understand the philosophy, yet she is sweet and virtuous.
Answer:
“No one was ever converted into Theosophy.” Also, Mr.
Crosbie says, “Theosophy is for those who want it.” Each comes to Theosophy
through inner conversion, and remains faithful to it, for a short or long time,
by sustaining himself with the energy of self-conversion.
Next, it is merely one’s assumption that this loved
one or for that matter any one, cannot be made to understand Theosophy.
Theosophy is for all. It teaches children to grow and mothers to rear them and
fathers to provide for them; it teaches labourers to work and merchants to
trade and teachers to educate and rulers to reign and every one to live out his
own life. Consider the Image of the Ocean: in it divers go deep to find the
pearl of great price; fishermen catch fish, big and small; swimmers enjoy, some
buffeting waves and others not venturing far from the shore; and there are
those, children and the like who only paddle standing on the shore. There is
only one kind of entity whom the ocean will not shelter - the corpses.
Therefore, the loved one can be made to understand
Theosophy - that aspect of it for which she is ready. Do not tell her about the
rounds and races, pitris and Ah-his or even about the three
fundamentals. Observe and take the line of least resistance: how? Do not fancy that
by pointing out her weaknesses to her you will arouse her to an apperception of
Theosophy, any more than by praising her goodness and virtues. Seek for her problems. If you succeed in finding out do not say - this
is your problem and this is its solution. Aid her to formulate the problem, and
then to seek the solution. Meanwhile put in her way such Theosophical truths as
will arouse her.
No student is perfected in his knowledge, so it is
well for us all to remember that it is safer, better, and in the long run
quicker to memorize and quote Theosophical aphorisms, sayings and statements.
There are some awakening sentences, almost mantramic
in their effects; and further their constant right use by loyal and devoted
workers has given them added power. It would be helpful to use such awakening
sentences in one’s conversation, though not thrusting them down her throat; she
like all human souls, is a free willed being, whose freedom of will must be
respected.
What is applicable to the “loved one”, is also applicable
to any enquirer or new-comer to Theosophy. It has been found useful to
initially make a reference to the literature available, in which a Theosophical
doctrine has been alluded to, indirectly, in the form of a parable, etc. There
are many, who dislike “preaching”. Later, once the person learns to appreciate
the philosophy of Theosophy, it can be expanded, and deeper aspects of
philosophy can be presented.
But often, in case of loved ones, which may include
children and grown-ups, the first step is to inculcate in them the habit of
reading good books. Gradually, without forcing, one can help by arousing in
them mental hunger. “There are playful minds which never seek knowledge. There
are minds so absorbed in their own avocations that they care not about the
events of the world or about the woes and worries of mankind. There are sick
minds in whom the very sight of a book produces nausea…. A truly healthy mind
desires and relishes mental food and makes up its menu with even a greater care
than the gourmand. He studies regularly and methodically, and derives help from
it in discharging his life-duties.” (‘The
Theosophical Movement’ magazine,
July 1932)
It goes without saying that the force that can hold
any enquirer and draw him to the teachings is the inner development of the
student himself and that in turn is determined by the extent to which the
student has been striving to apply the teachings in his or her own life,
combined with sound knowledge of the doctrines and ability to present them in a
simple form. Inevitably, people judge Theosophy by its students and exponents,
and our actions and our attitudes speak louder than our words.
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The above article
was published in our associated websites on 27 September 2018. Its first
publication occurred as part of the September 2016 edition of the monthly
magazine “The Theosophical Movement”,
pp. 31-32, where it appears under the general title of “Questions and Answers”.
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Click to see an
online collection of the magazine “The Theosophical Movement”.
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