While individual members of the Theosophical Society (TS) are often strongly involved in social issues, the TS itself is non-political. Moral and ethical dilemmas change over time, as scientific discoveries shed new light on human existence, the shift of cultural norms and evolving civilisation. Often, these seem to contradict ethics of the eternal wisdom, based on ageless spiritual research. Being non-judgemental, observations can be made, being mindful of the foundations of the eternal wisdom. It is therefore not intended to discuss the individual challenges in depth here, but rather offer aspects of the wisdom tradition to keep in mind, while considering these issues, which hopefully will be of help to the student.
Foundations of Theosophical Teachings
Some of these are outlined below:
- All aspects of the universe are interconnected; order permeates the universe
- Everything operates according to the unity of life and natural laws, stemming from a Divine Plan
- Natural laws apply not only in the physical world, but also in the realms of thought, feeling, and the spiritual
- One of the most important universal laws is that of karma, of cause and effect,
- Existence or life consists of two components, spirit (consciousness) and matter, which are equally and inseparably linked. Nothing in creation is without a form of consciousness
- The aim of life is to experience and learn, to gain deeper insight, and ultimately live in harmony with the Divine Plan
Awareness is key
Acting contrary to universal laws creates ethical dilemmas, which in turn is responsible for karma. Our degree of awareness of self is central to this. The conditions in the world are caused presently by the state of human consciousness, and especially the individual thinking process, being separate from that of the whole of humanity, called separateness in Buddhism. That state of consciousness can be reflected upon, not by being judgemental, but by discovering who we truly are as human beings and our relationship to the Whole. This requires a closer analysis of one’s own belief system and personal conditioning, so that social and other situations can be viewed in an unbiased way.
The enquirer and the ethical issues
It is important to understand there are many possible levels of consciousness from which we can investigate ethical issues. These issues in particular relate to another dimension, beyond mere thinking. Part of the theosophical sevenfold constitution of ourselves, each with its own consciousness, highlights the following related aspects of our mind.
- Kama: the desire and emotional aspect of our mind. Ethical issues often evoke uncertainty, anger, fear and in some cases desire. It is important to recognize this initial reaction, and the impact it has on our judgment. A judgment based on Kama is never helpful.
- Manas: the thinking aspect of our mind. In this day and age, we have the impression that we can solve all problems with clear thinking. However, this so-called clarity of thought is frequently clouded, coloured by all kinds of fears, emotions etcetera. The mind is often oblivious as this personal thinking is the ‘normal’ daily thought process for many.
- Buddhi: The wisdom aspect or soul level of our mind. A mind infused with spiritual intuition and wisdom is better able to ponder ethical questions. The buddhic or intuitive influence helps inspire the person to gain deeper insight, based on love-compassion, open-mindedness, a non-dogmatic attitude and fosters all-inclusive non-judgemental thought.
Depending on the state of consciousness in which the mind functions, it, as a principle, strives for Buddhi-Manas in its higher aspect, and for Kama-Manas in its lower nature. Buddhi-manas functions with an open mind that allows it to participate in the energy of the cosmic consciousness and perceive the forces at play.
For the serious enquirer of ethical issues, the complexities can be difficult to assess. Moreover, we are normally inclined to approach them from our personal level and limited Kama-Manas consciousness. When it comes to these issues, it is often more important how the enquirer deals with them than the issue itself. We have the freedom to interpret universal laws as best we can, and as we do so, we find that the process of self-discovery is a most important one. It is in this process that we are presented with opportunities for spiritual growth. Even when we make mistakes, these too are valuable opportunities for growth, not to be lost.
Medical issues
As for all medical issues discussed here, the general approach of the wisdom tradition would be of supporting life, in all its dimensions, as well as requiring reflection on the fundamental unity of life. As said, that life has two dimensions; mind and matter. Medical issues often focus on matter. Clairvoyants could possibly perceive the influence of medical procedures on the finer states of consciousness, although it may be quite some time before doctors are open to this scenario. Without this input, however, medical experiments often resemble the story of the sorcerer’s apprentice, who experimented with part of the wizard’s knowledge and the related results. Nevertheless, a few considerations on medical issues can be made:
Abortion
This is a highly sensitive issue for all concerned. An important question is when the new soul incarnates – during conception, at birth, or a gradual process, or even after birth? Observers hold different opinions. It is of great importance to embrace mother and unborn child with love and compassion, to help with the related trauma.
Organ transplantation
This can be a blessing for those in need of replacing a diseased or malfunctioning organ. As with the body as a whole, however, even organs appear to exist from matter and possess a consciousness of their own. Transplantation therefore includes that aspect of the donor as well, both impacting the patient and the donor, and being aware of the emotions of the donor’s family left behind, in the case of a heart donation. When an organ transplant seems unavoidable, this should be received with a sense of heartfelt gratitude and great love.
Euthanasia and suicide
Do we have the right to end our lives? The purpose of our existence is to learn, to have experiences, right up to the last days of our physical life. These, however, can be very painful, physically or mentally. One may ask if those experiences can be postponed to the next life? Perhaps the most important consideration is the state of mind from which the termination takes place, which affects one’s ongoing journey. A calmly considered judgement that further learning and quality of life has become impossible, due to severe physical and mental suffering, is likely to have less impact than an impulsive decision.
Cloning
It has been proven possible to clone elements of a physical life with a limited lifespan. The question is whether one can clone consciousness, a new personality and individuality and what are the ethical implications of even simple organ cloning?
Other ethical issues: judging others karma
Often the issue of karma is discussed when dealing with one’s personal life. Another aspect concerns the realisation on how to deal with and judge concerning the karma of others, individuals, allied groups, and even nations. While karma is considered a universal law, how it actually works out remains a mystery.
The operations of the actual laws of karma are not to be studied until the disciple has reached the point at which they no longer affect himself.
Mabel Collins: Light on the Path, Karma
As for our own lives, we may perhaps come to some understanding. A side-note should be made here. There may be a good reason why we generally are not aware of our former incarnations, and the related karma. In most cases this would prove unhelpful, even traumatic.
Judgments as regards the impact of karma on others, persons, groups or nations, may therefore appear a rather detrimental approach. We simply do not know another’s motives or soul maturity. It seems wisest and more compassionate not to judge those who suffer, be it the result of karma or not, but rather we can embrace them with thoughts of love and understanding, knowing we are all part of the human family.
Ethical issues and our personal life
Environmental issues, animal welfare, nutrition, vegetarianism, are topics in which many members of the TS feel strongly about. A spiritual life is stimulated by a beautiful, healthy environment. Our bodies should be kept as healthy as possible, and our minds as sensitive and aligned to the spiritual life. Hence, many members of the TS choose to live a vegetarian lifestyle, abstaining from alcohol and tobacco, not as a duty, but voluntarily as a consequence of their chosen spiritual path.
As human beings, we are individual and unique and yet we are a part of the human family. If we view the divine spiritual self as the same essence existing in all human beings, instead of only seeing the lower vehicles or personality, then there is room for real contact at soul level. Piercing through the illusion of differences, such as race, creed, gender, caste or skin colour, the opportunity presents itself to see each other through the eyes of spirit sharing together the journey of life. And as Annie Besant reminds us – ‘Love is a form of Seeing’.
Current society creates its own challenges
The increasing complexity and fragmentation of our society creates its own challenges, often also ethical in nature. As a result of this complexity, scientists and politicians are increasingly focused on details, missing the bigger picture. In this way, partial solutions are created for sub-problems, often without having insight into how this affects the whole and not without risk. Systems that become too complex are at risk of getting bogged down if the complexity is beyond human understanding. The road back to a simpler and more coherent view proves more difficult than that of continued fragmentation, as it requires an overview of the whole. The impulses of our fragmented, separate thinking seem to stand in the way of this, while in contrast, the spiritual tradition leads toward universal underlying coherence.
Politics and discrimination
The goal of the TS is to elevate humanity through intellectual and spiritual development. The right conditions must be created in politics to accommodate this. The fact that a large part of humanity suffers from want, while others live in carefree indifference and selfish excess, is indicative of a lack of human solidarity and politically irresponsible choices. Exploitation of the Earth and cruelty to humans and animals has a major impact on the finer energies around us, including the other realms of nature. Working with and for each other is a fundamental theosophical principle. This is based on universal principles, working through the tools of karma and reincarnation.
Capital punishment
The purpose of life is to learn. Therefore such punishment may prevent the criminal from dealing with the implications of their actions in this life, to come to a sense of remorse and a possible change in consciousness. Moreover, when the life of a criminal is cut short, aspects of consciousness with all its raw emotions, can play a harmful role in the inner (astral) world.
Technological advances
From an ethical point of view, technology is itself neutral. It is the human being who develops and wields technology, who determines whether it is applied for the good of all or for selfish or even harmful purposes. The latter is particularly a challenge when technology is growing faster than our ethical norms and values.
Just as scientists at the end of the 19th century believed that everything had already been discovered, some technologists now have the idea that they can use technology to solve all of humanity’s problems, including climate change. Such materialist, mechanical thinking completely ignores the cosmic laws of cause and effect. If the use of even more technology lulls us further to sleep and blinds us to the real problems, the results facing humanity and all sentient life on this planet may be devastating.
Summary
Ethical issues, in most cases, seem to be about problems external to us. From a spiritual perspective they require us to act differently. The wisdom tradition indicates that ethical issues are primarily related to our personal, individual consciousness, and to the manner in which we approach these challenges. The judgement of others is irrelevant in this case.
Questions for consideration
• Would the theosophical approach, starting with aspects of the wisdom tradition be helpful to you when dealing with ethical challenges? Does it give you a broader perspective?
• We are all faced with ethical challenges in a fast-changing world. How do you deal with all the complexities and internal contradictions? Do you become carried away, worried, or do you see opportunities for growth and the chance to help others?
• Have you considered that through the purification of our mind and emotions, we have the opportunity to broaden our ability to express love and compassion for all, not only for victims, but, being non-judgemental, for offenders as well?
• Have the various issues discussed here helped you come to a broader understanding of different viewpoints and approaches to life?
• Can you see the importance of remaining open-minded and flexible, and not to be carried away by fear or the emotions. Being aware and observing your responses is the first step when future challenges present themselves.
A.H.
