Michele Sender – USA
Michele Sender *
Members of the Theosophical Society (TS) are entrusted with the task of sharing the living power of Theosophy. In a letter to the American Convention, H. P. Blavatsky (HPB) instructed us to “teach, practise, [and] promulgate that system of life and thought which alone can save the coming [humanity]”. This statement is a useful and inspirational guiding principle, but in order to follow it effectively we must examine something that is essential in all collective effort — how we communicate with each other and how this affects our ability to work together.
Conventional communication often stems from the lower mind, which is the concrete and divisive aspect of our consciousness. Consequently, even when seeking consensus or common ground, people unconsciously are inclined to prove points or win arguments. In order to work in mutual understanding and support, we need to move from a perception susceptible to conflict and misinterpretation towards a gentler and more accepting mindset that engages in conversation in the spirit of altruism. This attitude is fundamental to build true brotherhood, which can lead us closer to our ideal of unity.
Meditative inquiry
The practice of Meditative Inquiry is often used in theosophical meetings. However, a lack of structure or guidelines tends to weaken its potential usefulness. In this article, I propose a formatted method of Meditative Inquiry to help us practise it more effectively. I am not presenting new concepts here. Borrowing HPB’s statement, I have “made only a nosegay of culled flowers”, taken from various theosophical teachings and “brought nothing of my own but the string that ties them”.
The practice of Meditative Inquiry is a form of Jñânâ Yoga. Its purpose is to awaken wisdom by helping us reach a direct perception of truth via a meditative process. The practice of meditation aims at leading us toward a state of interior silence through which we can access our true nature — the source of strength, wisdom, and courage. This connection helps us transcend our personal ego and bring a sense of harmony in our lives and relationships. However, when in the setting of a group discussion, it is often more challenging to reach this alignment.
Through Meditative Inquiry we can create a collective sacred space that helps us tap into the “substratum of memory” of our essential unity, as mentioned by HPB in her “Diagram of Meditation”.
Meditative Inquiry offers profound potential with numerous applications. It enhances self-examination, personal study, Lodge study, and even everyday interactions by:
1) engaging in an active exploration of our mind’s inner workings through a present, dynamic, moment-to-moment investigation;
2) recognizing and addressing misunderstandings and misperceptions that may occur in conversations; and
3) transforming the way in which we study, both individually and as a group.
With practice and proficiency, this approach can have an almost magical effect, fostering affinity and rapport in relationships, and deep insights in our studies. In this article we will explore four teachable elements to better take advantage of the potential that lies in this practice.
The Why
“The average [person], even among the most intellectual, giving all their attention to the testimony of appearance and outward form, and disabled as they are from penetrating a priori to the core of things, are but too apt to misjudge the whole situation.” (Mahatma Morya)
Our interactions are often dominated by sensory perception and the instinctive activity of the brain. Wired primarily for survival, brain-driven perceptions lead us to focus on differences rather than shared commonalities. In its turn, this kind of activity engages our lower minds which, colored by past conditioning, memories, and judgments, generate fertile conditions for misunderstanding and discordance. When we try to cooperate from this level of consciousness, we are at best able to achieve a fragile, superficial equilibrium that can crumble easily under pressure. Additionally, when we tend to avoid difficult conversations, mistakenly believing that this is how we maintain peace, we not only fail to create lasting harmony but often this strategy increases underlying tension.
Is it possible to build relationships on unshakeable foundations, leading to true peace and understanding? This is, after all, the ideal presented to us in our First Object — “to form a nucleus of universal brotherhood”. One way to do this is to consciously create a sacred space where we can be open and honest, allowing us to move beyond tension and discomfort toward a deeper way of relating with one another.
Four Elements
During my time as a high school teacher and my involvement in the TS, I have explored and implemented a variety of dialogue methods that seek to stimulate more profound engagements and gain new insights. These include Socratic Dialogue, Native American Council techniques, David Bohm’s technique for dialogue, J. Krishnamurti’s method of inquiry, among others. Viewing these diverse approaches through the lens of theosophical teachings, I have identified four key elements that are helpful when seeking to communicate from a more unifying perspective. These skills can be cultivated individually; however, they naturally interweave, becoming exponentially more effective when practised in concert.
1. Listen with a Silent Mind
“When you are listening to somebody, completely, attentively, then you are listening not only to the words, but also to the feeling of what is being conveyed, to the whole of it, not just part of it.” (J. Krishnamurti)
When we listen from the level of the lower mind, we are listening to our conditioning, concepts, and memories. In addition, we are prone to half-listen, hearing what we think is being said while already formulating responses or opinions. We also have a habit of communicating with a sense of already knowing what the other person is going to say. Naturally, if we are seeking a deeper communication, we must try to go beyond the filter of our own opinions so that we can truly perceive what is being communicated.
Just as meditation can take us beyond the mundane world grasped through the senses, listening with a silent mind can help us perceive what is behind the words we hear. The cornerstone of Meditative Inquiry is learning to bring the silent attentiveness we seek in meditation into our group meetings and, indeed, into all our encounters. It is in this mental quietude that we open ourselves to an inner world full of potential where we can discover our true nature: whole, resilient, resourceful, and perfect.
The space once filled with restlessness and chaos becomes one of stillness and order, and our consciousness expands inward, granting access to valuable insights. We are then able to engage in a collective exploration with a consciousness free from judgments and automatic reactions, nurturing empathy and understanding as the basis for our actions.
Finding a silent mind during conversation is not always easy. A way to induce this state is to begin to listen with a curious mind. When we listen with a genuine attitude of interest, we naturally leave our own self-centered thoughts behind and engage with openness and receptivity, one that not only allows us to connect more meaningfully, but also makes others feel welcome, heard, and valued.
2. Respond from the Heart
“The Heart is the center of the Spiritual Consciousness, as the Brain is the center of Intellectual Consciousness.” (HPB)
Theosophical teachings describe two levels of consciousness from which we can act: brain-centered (kâma-manas) and heart-centered (buddhi-manas). Brain- centered consciousness refers to the mind swayed by desires, fears, and strong emotions. It judges, names, and categorizes based on sensory input, resulting in fragmented, limited, and often unreliable perceptions. Influenced by the desire-nature (kâma), this mind gravitates toward pleasure and away from discomfort, and it is often instinctive, self-serving, and reactionary.
To transcend this reactionary state, manas must be influenced by buddhi, the source of spiritual wisdom and empathy. This heart-centered consciousness manifests when we let go of the ego with its personal agenda and ambition, when we operate from a place of affection, not severity, of cooperation, not opposition. Interactions from this level of consciousness yield softened responses characterized by a sense of equability, self-sacrifice, and wholeness.
3. Speak with Purpose and Precision
“Discussions also should not be a matter of venting opinions. Opinions are not truth. Can we succeed in discussing vital questions without being anxious to present our opinions, seriously trying to learn more about the subject discussed, its depth of meaning, and all the implications?” (Radha Burnier)
Another important element allowing for more genuine deeper communication is to become aware of what motivates us in general, but specifically in our speech. We must ask ourselves, “Why do I speak?” “What is the intention behind voicing my point of view?” Do we speak to show what we know; or for a need to be heard, to be seen, to be respected; or to teach, to correct; or just to break the silence? Through an open and honest inquiry about these questions we are better positioned to be aware of the thoughts and feelings that arise during interactions, allowing us to choose what is worth sharing. Being less anxious to speak, our responses are motivated by what is best for the present moment, thus bringing precision and conscious intention to our words. This awareness may often lead us to be less active externally, yet in this space of silence we may find insights into what we are seeking, as well as to what others may need to support their quest for truth.
For those who tend to remain silent, it is equally important to ask, “Why don’t I speak?” Examine this question deeply. Is the silence due to fear, lack of confidence, low energy, or absence of motivation?
However, it is important to recognize that a group does not thrive solely on verbal contributions. Mindful silence is a form of action and is valuable in its own right. Engaging in this kind of introspection will help us find an attitude that benefits both the individual and the group as a whole.
4. Tap into the Substratum
“When you are in this uplifted state, ideas can reach you. . . . Even as you are talking . . . keep as it were a mental antenna up so that from somewhere above on high, within, an idea can reach you and enrich your [contributions].” (Geoffrey Hodson) “When the manasic entity [higher ego] sends an impulse downwards to the lower nature . . . it appears to the personality as spontaneous, free, uncaused by any action on the lower plane; and so it is, for the causes that work on the personality are of the higher not the lower planes.” (Annie Besant)
HPB explains that, as we make efforts to elevate our consciousness, an enduring substratum or foundation of higher consciousness is gradually generated. The final skill in this method is to hold the conscious intention of tapping into this substratum while we interact with others. Then, the door may open, bringing forth a wisdom that transcends our ordinary, conditioned responses.
From the perspective of the personality, the influence coming from buddhi-manas often manifests as a seemingly natural and spontaneous occurrence. However, this is unlikely to happen unless we have laid the groundwork for it. Meditative Inquiry helps us create a sacred space where the contact between our higher and lower natures can take place.
As we work on these skills, not only in our Lodge meetings but also in our daily interactions, we become a clearer channel through which the higher consciousness can influence our thoughts, emotions, and actions, thus allowing a more cohesive and integrated expression of our true nature.
Summary of the Method
Here I provide a summary of the action items for each element in this frame-work making it easier to remember during practice.
1. Listen with a Silent Mind: Engage in the exploration with an attitude of curiosity and wonder.
2. Respond from the Heart: Let go of the ego with its personal agenda and ambition, and operate from a place of mutual understanding and collaboration.
3. Speak with Purpose and Precision: Be aware of your motivations for speaking or remaining silent.
4. Tap into the Substratum: Cultivate the conscious intention of interacting with others from your higher nature.
Creating sacred spaces
Our Work
When practising this approach to Meditative Inquiry, it is helpful to recognize the challenges inherent in both personal and communal transformation, while keeping in mind the importance of persistent effort in becoming proficient in any practice. Setbacks are a natural part of the process, and maintaining our commitment to growth and service despite obstacles is fundamental.
The individual has limited power when compared to the collective. In community, the work of transformation gets easier, grows in strength, and becomes a powerful force in the service of humanity. Yet, we should not forget that the individual change adds to the power of the group, so we should not discount the value of bringing change in the seemingly small, personal daily actions.
Creating sacred spaces can facilitate a lasting transformation, not only individually but collectively. Start today, fail, start again, fail again — fail gloriously, our success is in starting again. All the Mahatmas ask is that we simply....
....TRY!
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This article was also published in The Theosophist, VOL. 146 NO. 2 NOVEMBER 2024
The Theosophist is the official organ of the International President, founded by H. P. Blavatsky on 1 Oct. 1879.
To read the October 2024 issue click HERE
*Fohat Productions was founded by Michele Sender to publish new and classic theosophical material. Click HERE