from Let Every Man Prove His Own Work HPB

I, for one, choose (not so secretly) to adventure on the path of good works. I believe that to not do so is cowardly, and disregarding one's dharma. I can only pray to my higher self for the guidance so that I do more good than harm.

Namaste, Jon

Jon,

I agree that many Theosophists have fallen into the mistake of spending too much time reading books and analyzing theory, and not getting out and doing volunteer work with the unfortunate. Like you, I believe that a certain amount of volunteer work (or any good social work) is one of the prerequisites to achieve Enlightenment. I do not think merely sitting in a temple and meditating will get us there.

HPB's main point is that the TS "as a body" is not focused on good works. There are many service organizations now to join, if one wishes to help others in a more direct manner.

As for "secretly" doing good; that just means not bragging about, hinting about or telling folks that you are so occupied. Simply do what you will, but quietly.

But her point about one's helping others backfiring and even causing them spiritual harm is true. Our good motive will help us, but one who is not initiated can never be sure what spiritual effect one's help will produce in others.

Nicholas, Thanks for your remarks.

I certainly do not brag about what I do, but I do advocate volunteerism.

Agencies such as the one I work at depend on volunteers (as well as monetary donations) to accomplish their goals. We do not sit and quietly hope that people will volunteer, rather, we actively promote volunteerism, and solicit volunteers, just as an organization would have a fund-raiser.

It is a fine line to walk, not trying to shame people into helping, but trying to describe benefits to volunteerism.

Our volunteers are not expected to be social workers, but to just help out by serving up some taters, or handing someone a towel or toothbrush. Sometimes all that is needed is a smile. The folks that work with me are some of the finest folks I have ever met.

"The ignorant doing of good works may be vitally injurious...

For it is not the spirit of self-sacrifice, or of devotion, or of desire to help that is lacking, but the strength to acquire knowledge and power and intuition, so that the deeds done shall really be worthy of the 'Buddha-Christ' spirit."

--> One interpretation of this can be the interference that ignorant people do, even with the best of intentions. I have seen people who, in the name of religion and with the best of intentions, cause more harm than good. I believe this is the danger that HPB is talking about.

HPB is right in saying our main task in Theosophy is to acquire knowledge and power and intuition. That way, when we do go out and do volunteer work, it will be more effective.

HPB definitely promoted the idea of volunteer work, but not doing such work during Theosophical study sessions. Perhaps Theosophy can be said to be the putting of the idea of intelligent volunteer work into the head of a Theosophist — it is then that Theosophist's responsibility to figure out how and when to go out and volunteer.

And I would hope that he would understand the need for selflessness and compassion in his life.

Yes, I agree that it should be the Theosophist, and not the Society that chooses how best to serve.

Hi everybody!

I am reminded of a story of a Theosophist who asked one of the Mahatmas to recommend some volunteer work or other service that the Theosophist could do. The Mahatma refused, saying it would give the good karma to the Mahatma, not to the Theosophist. The idea was repeated at that time, that the Theosophist has to look out for chances, nay, create chances to be helpful.

Nick, If you can remember where you found that story, I'd like the reference.

TIA :)

I believe that some of the folks we serve are "enabled" by our efforts. A few (particularly younger) people see our service as "something for nothing". But the great majority are truly in need. All of our guests are different in their motives, and their response to our presence. But we can't serve just some and not all. It is not for us to judge who is deserving, and who not.

We serve a group, a community (disfunctional as it might be). Some will be hindered in their progress, either spiritual or mundane, but we must not fear. We must be therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

"We must be therefore ... harmless as doves."

--> I am reminded of the opposite, where religious outreach programs give out free food as long as the people agree to attend a church servce. Sheesh!

Jon, I will try to find that quote.

Jon,

I promised to find that quote for you. Here is something I found, although I am not sure this is what I originally read.

"Besides, if the Masters did it [gave people ideas of good works to do] They would take away the opportunity of making good karma from those who can do it — certainly not as well as They, but yet after all well enough for the use of those who know so very much less.

The Inner Life by C. W. Leadbeater, p. 17

Leadbeater, Charles, The Inner Life (online)
http://users.ez2.net/nick29/theosophy/il-001.htm#017

Leadbeater, Charles, The Inner Life (hardcopy)
http://www.questbooks.net/title.cfm?bookid=132

When you are ready to serve, Life will present plenty of opportunities from which you may choose. The Masters, and your own Higher Self will rejoice for your initiative.

Thanks for the CWL quote.

"When you are ready to serve, Life will present plenty of opportunities from which you may choose."

--> How true! I seem to be entering a stage in my life of sharing Theosophy. This Forum is one example. Another area I am now involved in is, the explaining of the Secret Doctrine and the Stanzas of Dzyan in "plain English". There is a great deal of valuable information in the SD, but it is so difficult to get to. I have dedicated myself to making the information more accessible, readable, and understandable.

It is such an admirable endeavour. Every Sunday, I am blessed to spend a few hours with a woman who has dedicated over fifty years of her life to the sharing of Theosophy. Dara knows her well, and Nicholas as well, I imagine. Her name is Vonda Urban, and she is now 88 years old. She was first introduced to Theosophy by George Cardinal LeGros, who was from the Point Loma tradition and lectured in Detroit and Chicago. She helped Boris de Zirkoff with his Collected Writings, searching for various items in the libraries here in Chicago. She used to speak once a year at the TSA campus in Wheaton, but has never been, so far as I know, a member of any of the societies.

She has several classes throughout the week. In our group, we are currently reading and discussing the Dialogs of G.deP. (vol 3). She is the only person hosting study groups such as these in Chicago that I know of. She won't take a dime from any student for these classes, but you had better be ready to focus on Theosophy - she won't let the discussion wander too far from the material.

Jon, these informal sessions are very important. I attended Nicholas and Dara's sessions at their home for over a year, and the amount of Theosophy I learned thanks to them is astounding.

Did you know that, before I met Nicholas and Dara, I did not even own a copy of The Secret Doctrine, and they gave me my very first copy? As I write this post, that very copy sits only six inches away from my out-stretched hand.

When Vonda spoke at Wheaton (and at the old, now defunct lodges in Chicago) she always gave stuff away. Usually the little pamphlets from the Theosophy Company. At her last lecture at Wheaton, she gave away CDs of Boris and L. Gordon Plummer speaking on Theosophy.

She gives us stuff like that even now, though we could all get the stuff ourselves. I usually give them to someone else in turn. Bless her heart.

Hi, All

Since we discussed Theosophical service back in April, I thought I would add this footnote. I was asked to write a short article about my work at Hesed House for publication on the TOS (Theosophical Order of Service) International website. For those who might be interested in an example of what one can do to help his brothers, see
TOS International Website

btw, there are a number of other good articles about service projects and such here as well.

Jon,

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing that. We all need to do more service work like that.