Theos-Talk Archives (October 1997 Message tt00174)

Peter A. Tryde:

> HPB states in "Studies in Occultism" that true occultism or
> Theosophy is "the great renunciation of self" unconditionally and
> absolutely, in thought and in action (p.17).  Furthermore, the
> applicant has to choose absolutely between the life of the world
> and the life of occultism (p.22).
>
> Most of us are bound by wordly duties and few are in the enviable
> position of choosing absolutely between the two.  It is for most
> only possible to take a path of the "golden mean".  Being tied to
> the material world such as running a business (sometimes in
> boilerroom conditions!), raising a family etc how many can choose
> true chelaship and isolate our mind entirely from our body and
> its surroundings.

It is precisely that we are in the present unfavorable condition
that the upward work begins.  Do you believe that if you are free from
family tie and unworthy job you will have a better chance
for spiritual advancement? How can there be spiritual progress
without overcoming obstacle and what is more challenging obstacle
than that placed by Karma before us.  Why in this life we are
born into the noise and turmoil of modern civilization if not to
learn the particular lesson it has to teach.

In the article "Occultism versus the Occult Arts" which you
quote, H.P.B.  try to warn those who rush "into practices neither
the nature nor importance of which they understand" to acquire
Siddis before they be able to "lead the life" which is complete
renunciation of self , control of passion and devoid of worldly
thought.  She did not encourage us to abandon our duty to enter
"the strait gate" of real occultism.

We have a place in our family and in society which we cannot
escape in order to live ourlives in isolation and meditate to
develop our chakrams.  With majority of us such development is an
obstruction rather than a means of attainment.  "To have the
highest ideal placed before us and strive incessantly to it, is
the only true concentration recognized by Esoteric Philosophy
which deals with the inner world of noumena, not the outer shell
of phenomena."

Path of development always keeps pace with the requirements of
the present day.  There is nothing "impure" about reasonable
worldly activity provided we do not allow it to corrupt us but to
do this it require an unrenmitting watch and control which is
under the guidance of Will.  The result of failing that are
selfishness in any form, conventionality, lack of common sense
and all kindred weaknesses.

To be immune from countless vicissitudes of life, advices from
"Light on the Path" may be of help.

"Live neither in the present nor the future, but in the Eternal.
This giant weed cannot flower there; this blot upon existence is
wiped out by the very atmosphere of eternal thought.

But remember always that real self-development on the esoteric
lines is action.  "Inaction in a deed of mercy becomes an action
in a deadly sin."

> He who clings to the Void
> And neglects Compassion,
> Does not reach the highest stage.
> But he who practises only Compassion,
> Does not gain release from toils of existence.
> He, however, who is strong in practice of both,
> Remains neither in Samsara nor in Nirvana.
>
> -- Saraha, Dohakosha