Theos-Talk Archives (May 2003 Message tt00047)

Tuesday, May 06, 2003

Re: Karma and "Duty."

Dear M. and Friends:

To me, I would say that "Karma" is a catch-all expression of the
many LAWS that guide, protect, and nurture all living things in
the vast universe. See the definition in the T. Glossary

We are studying (I think) and exchanging our understanding of
Theosophy as a practical basis for considering the "Science of
Living."

"Duty" seems to me to be the inner urge to cooperate with our
environment. But, perhaps these are not too clearly defined.
Why should that be?

If we are involved in many aspects of life in ourselves and in
and upon others, should we not have by now some pretty well
defined ideas of correct, and honorable behavior ?

In many this is still a battlefield do decision making. But, if
it is made plain that, in the end, we always pay for whatever we
do -- in recompense or in accident, or pleasure and paid -- why
would we want to increase the potential burden of sorrow that may
fall upon us? Or do we think we can "evade" that ? In which
case, where does the debt go? I somehow don't think this is ever
fully answered.

Put it this way, if we make an other a victim of our selfishness,
who and how is that victim recompensed?

First we live in a physical body and have to sustain and protect
it, if we want to keep it healthy and responsive when needed.
Would we not cal that a duty? Then we have our minds. Can they
be improved or allowed to slacken and remain "ignorant." I think
all can recognize interiorly the urge to "rest," and some think
that is "bliss." No more urges to act and respond to anything.
But, is it so? Who, or what will support us, when we do NOTHING ?
In fact, is doing nothing a real reward?

Next we have our "feelings." what are they? Can they be
substantiated as a reasonable and harmonious part of our natures
and cooperative with the rest of Nature?

This is a question we all need to ask ourselves. How is that
done? The Mind, using the creative power of "imagination," can
paint pictures for us of the probable outcome of our potential
decisions. How true are these to fact? How do they help in
determining our motives?

In this process it can be seen that our Mind acts independently
of the "desires." It asks, regarding ourselves as "whole
beings," what is the best thing to do? Do our desires, standing
alone, take into account the WHOLE future health and well-being
of US?

Next we have our families, community, nation, and the world --
which floats with purpose in a very large universe -- the nature
of which we are mainly guessing at. Do we not have some
responsibilities and duties in regard to these? Are not these
same "duties and responsibilities" in the nature of harmonizing
with our environment?

We have feelings, a mind, will and sensitivity. On the whole we
know only a little about their full range and inter-relations. We
also need to define who "WE" are. If we can employ and direct
these functions, the WE are superior and detached (in a way) from
them and their influences.

I would guess one of our reasons for existence is to learn more
about this so that we can take the guidance of our life more
fully into our own hands.

This is an aspect of "learning to think." It is something rarely
taught at schools and academies, where rote and memory are well
trained. How to be creative is the next step. To know what are
the mental tools we can use is the beginning. Some are born with
this as innate knowledge. How did they acquire it? Some dedicate
their lives (for as long as they remain healthy) to rash
decisions. Everything is a learning experience. For those who
are wise it is easier than for those who live only for the
moment. The cautious are those who have taught themselves to
think and to restrain the wild horses of the emotional nature.

We have the facts and phenomena, as evidence (some ours, and some
from other sources) before us. ISIS UNVEILED and The SECRET
DOCTRINE are full of these -- ancient and modern -- so we can
verify the diffusion of their experience (in ourselves and
others) in our world and history. The history of these powers
in action is important as they give us a broader base and greater
assurance.

Now where and how do we acquire the Theory?

Has anyone been there before and left traces of their
discoveries?

My opinion is that Theosophy (when we have studied it carefully)
can reveal parts of the puzzle -- especially those areas and gaps
that are obscure. *It shows that others have already been
"there" and have left records for us to verify, if we want to do
so.

The responsibility is always ours -- that this how a human mind
progresses. Those who are wise preview the results of their
actions to the fullest extent -- and act accordingly.

Best wishes,

Dallas




-----Original Message-----
From: Mauri [mailto:mhart@idirect.ca]
Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2003 6:05 AM
To: Theosophy Study List; theos-talk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Theos-World re karma, duty, Dallas, etc

Dallas wrote: <<Am I responsible to, or for others?
Do I depend on them, and do they depend on me to be
their true brother? Is the Universe cooperative and
multi-dependent? Can I truly entirey separate myself
from IT ? Can I assist without expecting a payment or
a "return favor?">>

They seem to be relevant (karmic) questions, which
might bring up the question of how to define "one's
duty" re this and that ...

<<The BHAGAVAD GITA is found to contain
continued reference to this point, as Sri Krishna says
again and again, "Do thy duty without expectation of
reward, simply because your Karma has caused it to
lie in front of you.">>

As I tend to see it, that reference to "duty" in relation
to "karma" still leaves the reader with having to define
those two words. So thinking back on the various
discussions on these lists about the meaning of karma
from various perspectives (as per "exoteric/esoteric," in
particular ...), seems to me as if there aren't too many
particularly "simple" solutions on this plane, unless, of
course, "karma" and "duty" (and whatever?) are
somehow creatively "simplified" in one's mind ... Not
that ...

Speculatively,
Mauri




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