Sunrise

Basic Challenge

James A. Long

What can we most readily do to bring nearer to fruition an active expression of universal brotherhood? In thinking of the vast numbers of our fellowmen today in whose hearts there is the longing for understanding, for light, and for a more brotherly way of approaching basic problems, one realizes how great is our individual responsibility.

Just as a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, the step nearest the traveler, so does every accomplishment have its simple beginning. The seeker after truth, contrary to the average belief, does not make his discovery in the fields of exploration, in books or in experiments, but solely within himself. Just so can we achieve the goal of brotherhood, by beginning with that which is closest at hand — ourselves.

All life is based upon a threefold expression of action or living: right ideals or morals; right plans to use in expressing these ideals; and right living, or the carrying out in our daily experience of these enlightened principles.

Our greatest source of strength lies in the fact that Truth does exist in the universe, and that there is a vast ocean of knowledge and wisdom within reach of all: deep enough in its center to satisfy the most profound thinker, yet so shallow at its shores that even a child may understand.

Our journey is leading us to the broad field of a universal fraternity, not to a particular or limited acreage of brotherhood. Since the yearning for a more active expression of this ideal is manifest in the learned as well as in the most simple, surely there is a way whereby the needs of all can be met. What was it, in the final analysis, that directed us to the way? Was it not the bright light of another's understanding? The light of compassion displayed by one of our fellowmen whose path we crossed? For the moment, at least, that one became a signpost for us, an animated expression of an enlightened heart, who by his innate character silently pointed to our own inherent possibilities and the way toward their development.

It follows naturally, therefore, that he who would be "conqueror of the world," must first be conqueror of himself. Our first duty then must lie with ourselves: the unfolding from within of the divine essence of brotherhood in order that its influence may not only be felt by our daily associates, but act as a stimulus toward the turning of their hearts in the same direction.

Nature works its wonders in the silence, and so we, even though immersed in the daily grind of routine affairs, can ever be silently but surely lighting the pathway around us. The more veils of illusion we destroy in our own nature, the brighter will our light shine; and eventually we too may become a signpost to men, a beacon more brilliant, more penetrating, and more vitally potent with beneficence than the brightest star in the darkness of night.

(From Sunrise magazine, August 1953; copyright © 1953 Theosophical University Press)



He who thinks that he can while standing aloof from the sorrows of others advance himself, is following a false belief; he must sooner or later uproot the idea of separateness from his own selfish heart. He must, if he would really live, recognize the oneness of the great family of which he is a member. Our experience is so largely gained through contact and association with our fellow man that we cannot afford for one moment to entertain an idea of anything but unity; we must realize that all suffering is our suffering — all sin our sin — and will be until each shall voluntarily do for each those acts that demonstrate a close and mighty kinship. We must learn to blend, to feel, and to stoop to rise, and when we do, kindness will be universal and ingratitude a thing unfelt. — Nell Dodge


Theosophical University Press Online Edition