Theos-Talk Archives (July 1996 Message tt00052)

EACH MEMBER A CENTER

[~The Path~, Vol. X, October 1895, pp. 201-02. ~Echoes of the
Orient~, Vol. I, pp. 468-69.]

Some years ago one of those Masters in whom so many of our
members believe directed H.P.B.  to write a letter for him to a
certain body of Theosophists.  In this he said that each member
could become, in his own town or city, if earnest, sincere and
unselfish, an active center from which would radiate unseen
powerful forces able to influence men and women in the vicinity
for good; and that soon enquirers would appear, a Branch in time
be organized, and thus the whole neighborhood would receive
benefit.  This seems just and reasonable in addition to its being
stated by such high authority.  Members ought to consider and
think over it so that action may follow.

Too many who think themselves theosophically alone in their own
town, have folded their hands and shut up their minds, saying to
themselves that they could do nothing, that no one was near who
could possibly care for Theosophy, and that that particular town
was the "most difficult for the work."

The great mistake in these cases is forgetting the law indicated
in what H.P.B.  wrote.  It is one that every member ought to
know---that the mind of man is capable of bringing about results
through means of other minds about him.  If we sit and think that
nothing can be done, then our subtle mind meets other minds
within the radius of our sphere--not small--and shouts into them:
"Nothing can be done." Of course then nothing is done.  But if
unselfishly and earnestly we think *Theosophy*, and desire that
others should, like us, be benefited by it, then to the minds we
meet in stray moments of the day and in many hours of the night
we cry "Theosophy," and "Help and hope for thee." The result must
be an awakening of interest upon the slightest provocative
occasion.

Such an inner attitude, added to every sort of attempt at
promulgation, will disclose many unsuspected persons who are
thinking along this very line.  Thus will the opportunity of the
hour be taken advantage of.

Our last Convention marked an era: the dying away of strife and
opening of greater chances, the enlargement and extension of
inquiry and interest on the part of the great public.  This is a
very great opportunity.  Branches and members alike ought to rise
to meet and use all that this will afford.  Remember that we are
not fighting for any form of organization, nor for badges, nor
for petty personal ends, but for Theosophy; for the benefit, the
advantage and the good of our fellow-men.  As was said not long
ago, those of us who follow after and worship a mere organization
are making fetishes and worshipping a shell.  Unselfishness is
the real keynote.

Those of us who still, after years and after much instruction,
are seeking and wishing for personal progress or preferment in
the occult side of life, are destroying that quality first
referred to- --of being a living, breathing center of light and
hope for others.  And the self-seekers thus also lessen their
possible chances in the next life here.

Close up the ranks! Each member a center; each Branch a center;
the whole a vast, whirling center of light and force and energy
for the benefit of the nation and of the race.

WILLIAM Q. JUDGE