Theos-Talk Archives (March 2005 Message tt00285)

In a message dated 03/15/05 11:19:43 PM, AnandGholap@AnandGholap.org writes:

>Leon,
>You wrote "But, when one finds that the real "Master" is none other than
>one's own
>higher Self -- who else is there that could give one "permission" to
>reveal
>(translate) whatever is necessary to explain to others"
>
>Even if a person knows that higher Self is guide, Master and pupil still
>remain two evolving souls, both at different stages of evolution. Master
>being more evolved and so having greater knowledge and power, person can
>still learn from him and in important work take his permission and advice.
>Anand Gholap

You are correct. But, only in the sense that your choice of the "Master" who 
guides you in your actions is strictly your own business. In a higher sense, 
however, such advice cannot serve as a definitive guide for others. 

Speaking for my own inner Master... While such arbitrary advice could be of 
value for those who are still searching for higher knowledge... He, alone, is 
the one I must listen to with respect to my own actions. He is also the one, 
whom I have found within myself (after long and arduous theosophical study and 
meditation) who remembers our origin and knows the true causes and effects, as 
well as the laws of Nature that govern all our past evolutions. He also 
knows the exact circumstances that we face in this life, and is the only one who 
can advise me (who is now one with that higher Self) how to deal with them as 
they occur from moment to moment. This is the same truth that Arjuna learned 
from Krishna (his higher Self if one understands the true symbology) in the 
Bhagavad Gita.

Therefore, as I see it, there is no other "Master" (as you speak of such a 
one as some sort of outside "guru" whom you might accept as your personal 
"guide") -- besides my own higher Self (which is also the Self of all) -- who can 
govern my individual actions by any edict or permission with respect to 
transmission of any teachings we may deem appropriate to disclose to others in any 
particular circumstance. And, that is, only when they ask us. (Note that I make 
no claim to be a "Master" of anyone -- other than myself. And, even so, its 
easy to become distracted and make mistakes -- that one can only learn from. 
:-) 

However, when I speak to another living "Master" (who, if truly such a one, 
can only be the master of his own higher Self) -- I am happy to hear anything 
he can teach me with respect to the mundane matters of this world that I don't 
already know. So far, I have not met any such a one that knows more truth or 
has more power than the one I have found within myself. 

Incidentally, whenever I met a really true Master/Adept, all we could do, 
after showing each other our "powers," or what we call our "tricks," was to laugh 
about how easy it was for most ignorant people to believe there was such a 
thing as a separate "Master" who had any power over their lives. :-) But, for 
such foolish people who can't control themselves, yet wish to learn, let them 
choose whatever wise teacher they can find who can correctly guide them on the 
path before they can attain their own self realization and find their own 
inner Master. If this takes several lifetimes (which is the usual case) then, so 
be it. In any case, to proselytize and offer gratuitous teachings to those who 
don't ask specific questions, is a waste of time and energy, and does no 
service to the cause of theosophy.

I have found also, that having so called "powers," or knowing how to utilize 
them for any purpose, is no indication of one's wisdom. As theosophy says, 
"There is no religion higher than truth." 

So, let each of us find his own Master (at whatever stage of the "path" they 
happen to be on) and leave it to others, through their individual self devised 
and self determined efforts, to find their own -- preferably, within 
themselves -- i.e., after they have listened to the teachings of all the other so 
called "Masters" (all of whom have been pointed out in the Secret Doctrine)... And 
then, perhaps, after study and comparison, they can find the real truth for 
themselves ... Through deep introspection by concentrated meditation on what 
they have heard (and learned). 

As a final advice (given to me by my master)... "To accept the literal (and 
sometimes self serving) interpretation of any fundamental theosophical teaching 
by any self professed "Master" or "Guru," without fully comprehending the 
true nature of reality for oneself -- is a grave mistake. As for determining the 
right choice of action in any circumstance... The wisest course is to let 
your conscience be your guide." 

Who else can that "conscience" be than your own higher Self? 

Leonardo