Let us be guarded lest we sound a false note of independence, which is discordant with the true harmony of brotherhood. The foes of mankind are watchful at all times and seek out our weak spots for attack; vanity, ambition, jealousy, are but weapons we allow to be used against our own interests, we sharpen the weapons and give them a keener edge and wider play by permitting them to linger in the mind.
In "Esoteric Buddhism" one chapter deals with the "progress of humanity," and it is there stated that progress depends upon spirituality being able to dominate the intellect. It is well to recollect that the basic ideas in "Esoteric Buddhism" were furnished by a Master hand. The present false note of independence is but one more phase of this contest with intellect. The individual is an independent being, able within certain limits to determine his own course. He can assert his independence at every step, and put himself in opposition to his surroundings. He can even go so far, if he has the courage, as to commit suicide.
The two paths of right and wrong are open to all, for unless man were free to commit moral, mental and physical shipwreck, he could not learn to control that instrument the mind, and acquire the power to exercise perfect self-control, which alone can fit him to be entrusted with greater powers. Probably all the readers of this paper will agree that the true path for mankind is summed up in the word "Brotherhood," that spirit of helpfulness which springs spontaneously from the heart, and causes help to be rendered to all in need of it.
Is independence compatible with Brotherhood? It seems to me, that as the desire to help others imbues our nature, we seek to curb the feeling of independence and transmute it into interdependence. It is true we can be independent, but in our present stage of evolution, where the mind is the point of development, the hardest fight is to make this independence subservient to the general welfare. To insist upon independence seems therefore to be a step backward in evolution, and is a direct barrier to progress.
That brotherhood involves interdependence is obvious. Nature teaches it in every direction. Unless all parts of the tree cooperate, no growth can take place, and without the help of every element, air, water, heat, and the soil, not a seed will grow. Similarly, unless all the bodily organs work in harmony, sickness or death takes place Consider for a moment what would happen if the heart were removed from a physical body, could you expect that great things would result from that mutilated body? Or if you wish to visit a friend, and your limbs claimed their independence and refused to carry you, or if the hand asserted its independence and refused to carry out your wishes! All such insistence upon independence but cripples the individual, and paralyzes his efforts. Independence can only rightfully be asserted in the fulfilment of duty, and that duty is based upon the interdependence of all creatures.
An amusing story was told the other day in relation to this question: a family agreed that each of its members should be independent, and possessed a right to act without reference to the others, and in fact their duty was to live independently. Each of them made their own clothes; those of the husband, who was not a tailor, bespoke the fact at every seam, reminding you of Robinson Crusoe. Being independent, each marketed separately, — and was found later cooking and making their own meals. To an ordinary human being, the household was a chaotic pandemonium. Even the cat was independent, and could not be interfered with, even when walking over the tea table, lapping the milk from the pitcher, licking the butter, and sitting on the bread.
The very genius and spirit of the Theosophical movement is brotherhood, a mutual dependence of every part from the innermost centre to its outer body. From the central Founders, who are unknown to us, to the humblest individual whose heart has been illuminated with a desire to help suffering humanity.
A very superficial study of the philosophy, which is based on Nature's law, shows how the higher kingdoms are assisting the lower to reach a higher stage in evolution, the vegetable raises the mineral, the animal helps the vegetable, and man is given power to assist all the kingdoms below himself. The system displays throughout a constant interdependence, and assistance given by the higher to the lower.
Similarly with man, the higher principles are ever contending with the lower, training and helping them. In our present phase of evolution it is spirituality endeavoring to raise the intellect to its own level. Sometimes the intellect rebels and refuses to allow the inner light of spirituality to guide it, — but in such a case progress is arrested. In the Theosophical movement, its adherents are fortunate in possessing a direct link with its very heart, and can receive guidance if they choose to work in harmony therewith. In every organization, even in a business house, there is a head which directs all who are engaged in its operations. The head is not expected to divulge the whole of his plans to the subordinates, but each is given his special work. Would we consider it in accordance with common sense that the office boy should assert his independence and demand to be consulted in every operation? No, each in his position has his duty to perform, and it suffices if that be done well. We have to obey trustingly, in the conviction that there is a wise hand and a clear head directing.
Take away the heart from the body and a corpse is the result; deprive the body of its mind and you have an idiot. Extract the soul, and what is left? All parts have their office and function, and are interdependent, but the higher must control and direct, if the lower are to progress.
If this be so, would it be wise to make the body of the Theosophical movement separate from its heart? Every analogy of nature and common sense clearly proves that such an untoward condition must end in utter shipwreck.
Fortunately the movement is too well guarded, and too well guided for such to occur.