Theos-Talk Archives (April 2002 Message tt00157)

We had someone a while back post something to the effect of WHY? don't 
theosophists do more? But below gives a pretty coherent picture of the nature 
of our complex personality and the weavings of the tapestry of our sevenfold 
nature and how it works its little way into everything we think, say and do. 
Please read on...
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... Varying with his temperament, his neurotic structure, and the situation, 
he may be charming, compliant, considerate, sensitive to wishes of others, 
available, helpful, sacrificing, understanding. It is but natural that he 
overrates what, in this or that way, he does for another person. He is 
oblivious to the fact that the latter may not at all like this kind of 
attention or generosity; he is unaware that there are strings attached to his 
offers; he omits from his consideration all the unpleasant traits he has. And 
so it all appears to him as the pure gold of friendliness, for which he could 
reasonably expect returns.

An interesting question presents itself to those who have been steeped in H. 
P. Blavatsky's writings. Namely, can a "materialist" or an orthodox 
religionist be an altruist? H.P.B. certainly insists upon recognizing that 
the doctrine of irresponsibility, whether appearing under the heading of 
"cosmogenesis in chaos," or under the heading of "salvation by special 
intervention," militates against altruism -- the latter depending upon a 
strong feeling of individual responsibility. The answer, here, as always, 
must be that ships flying all manner of flags can have sound bottoms, but 
that, in matters of religion or militant "all-denying" skepticism, some flags 
flap so wildly that they tangle with the sails.

Another hidden question about "concern for others" is whether the "concern" 
is positive or negative in nature. Some are interested in troubles and 
sufferings to divert their attention from their own, and these may easily 
accept the whole of human existence as a "misery-go-round." One who has an 
affirmative philosophy of life, though, an orientation which suggests the 
possibility of a better world which may be brought to birth, brings a rich 
gift to all whom he contacts, though he never meddles in the personal 
problems of another. The greatest of all gifts of this sort, in the opinion 
of Theosophists, is that of a philosophy showing infinite potentialities for 
human progress during the whole cycle of manvantaric evolution. 


H. P. Blavatsky had the following suggestions to offer: 
Act individually and not collectively ... The Theosophical ideas of charity 
mean personal exertion for others; personal mercy and kindness; personal 
interest in the welfare of those who suffer; personal sympathy, forethought 
and assistance in their troubles or needs. We Theosophists do not believe in 
giving money through other people's hands or organizations. We believe in 
giving to the money a thousand-fold greater power and effectiveness by our 
personal contact and sympathy with those who need it. We believe in relieving 
the starvation of the soul, as much if not more than the emptiness of the 
stomach; for gratitude does more good to the man who feels it, than to him 
for whom it is felt.

The entire article is found at:
http://www.wisdomworld.org/additional/WordPuzzles-Series/Part1of29.html



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