Theos-Talk Archives (September 1997 Message tt00007)

> Yet certainly there is a time even for literal anonymity, perhaps
> as in an impersonal statement of Theosophical doctrine in an
> article or a book. Certainly if one stands to benefit
> financially or in public image from an exposition of Theosophical
> doctrine, literal anonymity should reign. Why? Because in truth
> it is wise to avoid building up a personal following with others.
> The Masters ever avoided doing so, as did HPB and WQJ. Theosophy
> is no personality contest, or financial investment, like nearly
> everything in the so-called New Age.

Long ago the mighty bodhisattva Nagarjuna made some personal
vows. Among them were the following two:

> May all beings who are fearful become fearless throught merely
> hearing my name. May everyone attain great joy, clear insight
> and firm aspiration to enlightenment through only thinking of,
> hearing of, or seeing me.]
>
> [~Precious Garland~ 479-80]

Those vows could certainly be looked at as self-centered &
prideful, but His life and writings prove they were motivated by
a purely selfless attitude.

At some point aspiring bodhisattvas must move from avoiding all
possible negative situations that might affect them badly, to
caring only for what will foster selflessness in others.

While HPB & WQJ did not seek fame, they did not avoid using
whatever prominence on the platform they achieved for the good of
mankind & the theosophical movement. The same can be said for
acquiring money through a theosophical book. One is not required
to blow it all playing the slots at Vegas.

Money, fame, name -- in short, our much maligned personality, can
be and should be used selflessly, not just protected from life.
Temptations must be overcome, not avoided.

However, WHEN to use this approach must be carefully considered.
If one is not ready, then disasters will occur.