Firmness and Discernment
In the Struggle for Wisdom
Carlos Cardoso Aveline
An Andean Village, anonymous Andean Textile Art (Library of the ILT)
* Discipline must be intelligent and applied with discernment. But it often has to look brutal – at least from the point of view of that narrow self that clings to the comfortable routine of organized ignorance.
* Self-discipline needs to be stronger than the facts that make it necessary.
* The goal of the effort in self-discipline is to slowly change several layers of the soul’s subconscious soil. The victory occurs through a number of small and large seismic shocks, normally called “tests” and “trials”. That’s why the metaphor of war exists. [1]
* The effort must be calmly inflexible in its inner structure. An effective self-discipline is sustainably relentless, outwardly moderate, and free from attachment to results. Challenges are indispensable tools because they reveal the true face of the ignorance that must be transformed into knowledge.
The Light from the Center of the Soul
* When an elevated, all-encompassing and stable source of inspiration is reached by the pilgrim, it quickly establishes itself at the center of his existence, and it does so quite naturally, causing a cessation of all unnecessary effort. Then personal karma starts rearranging itself, a fact that may bring about surprising situations.
* Once the light turns on at the Center of the Soul, the effort involved in maintaining secondary and peripheral lights becomes superficial, makes sense no longer, and ceases. When the disciple is ready, the masterly energy appears. To the extent that one’s illusions cease, truth becomes visible.
* However, “experience is not acquired on a bed of roses”, said Maine de Biran. [2] In other words, adapt yourself to the constant presence of tests and probations in life, and say thanks for that, since there is often no intelligent life in comfortable routine.
A True Feminist Must Defend Motherhood
* Seen somewhere:
* “A true feminist would fight for the rights of unborn women.” This is a ground-breaking sentence. It can help people get rid of their destructive tendencies and strengthen their love and respect for Life itself. Read also the article On Abortion: Is Foeticide a Crime?, by Helena Blavatsky.
* Jean des Vignes Rouges writes in a 1941 book:
* “The great social problem today is to develop a harmonious balance between the individualistic tendencies and the interests of the collectivity. But the leader must not forget the inevitable need every individual has of obtaining a certain level of dignity.” [3]
* Inner victory is humble and serene. It generates peaceful feelings toward others.
* Misunderstanding and conflict often emerge from hurry, anxiety and nervousness. Under these conditions disharmony may take place side by side with sincere good-will. A simplified agenda is a powerful factor in bringing about peace. Voluntary simplicity generates well-being and expands the effectiveness of one’s efforts.
NOTES:
[1] See the article “Theosophy and the Metaphor of War”.
[2] “Dictionnaire de la Guérison”, by Jean des Vignes Rouges, Editions J. Oliven, Paris, 1947, 256 pages. Maine de Biran is quoted on p. 71: “L’experience ne s’acquiert pas sur un lit de roses.”
[3] “Savoir Commander”, by Jean des Vignes Rouges, Editions Jean Vigneau, Marseille, France, 198 pp., 1941; see p. 74.
The article “Thoughts Along the Road – 99” was published on the websites of the Independent Lodge of Theosophists on 20 August 2026. An initial version of it is part of the October 2023 edition of “The Aquarian Theosophist”, pp. 11-13.
Click and see the whole collection of articles “Thoughts Along the Road”.
Read more:
* Immortal Sages Humbly Obey the Law.
* M.C.’s Text on Karma, Annotated.
* Are There Conditions Under Which Karma Does Not Exist?
Visit the channel of The Aquarian Theosophist on YouTube:
* https://www.youtube.com/@theaquariantheosophist845
Helena Blavatsky (photo) wrote these words: “Deserve, then desire”.
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