Tim Boyd, On the Verge of Wisdom. Available on Amazon. click HERE. Also available at The Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar, Chennai, click HERE.
First, my gratitude to Tim Boyd, International President of the TS Adyar, for inviting me, and others from various theosophical traditions, persuasions, as well as unaffiliated students, to the 12th World Conference of the Theosophical Society in Vancouver, Canada.
It was also the 150th consecutive year and functioning anniversary for the life of Modern Theosophy in the world today. As Tim has done many times since becoming the President of the Theosophical Society at Adyar, he has welcomed speakers from different Theosophical Traditions and Paths, to share our ideas in dialogue, that we might remember we are only the many “Shoots of One Root”, the theme of our participation during the conference. Many thanks from myself and the others for this continuous effort in light of universal sister and brotherhood.
Secondly, gratitude is expressed to Tim for writing this small but profound book entitled On The Verge Of Wisdom. I first heard of this work when it was introduced at the World Conference. It immediately brought forth the echo that we can approach and come to the verge of True realization, but even this cannot exhaust its fullness and reality that forever remain the wholeness which it is. I am very happy that it was later suggested that I do a critical review of this book.
While reading, I was struck by Tim’s choice of words and use of images. They were simple, clear and succinct, yet incredibly profound. Such choices allowed me to take a deep journey beyond the world of words, into that of imagery and symbols. A world which reveals deeper truths than words can. To experience a reality that can help us live more fully and compassionately, and with greater awareness.
One cannot appreciate this work without recognition of the introductory words shared by our author. Why, because in reading this work, like the author, each is introduced to themselves, as if in a mirror. It is their journey, interpreted and reflected to each, through the simple choice of words read and symbols felt. Words which will be resonant within each according to their station, yet universally and for all.
Tim Boyd’s, On The Verge of Wisdom, is a multifaceted gem, using multiple tools, to illuminate diverse subjects, tied into one grand evolutionary journey. Tim’s ability to use and illuminate such diversity with the lamp of theosophical understanding represents not only his insightfulness, but his open mindedness towards the study of ancient and modern sciences philosophies and religions. This is likely his openness to inviting all theosophical students of different sets to dialogue freely, as was seen at the world conference.
His opening introduction begins:
First, a disclaimer: nothing in these pages is offered as a prescription. This book is not a manual, or a definitive map. Rather, it is a reflection-an account of over fifty years of intentional engagement with what has unfolded into an ever-deepening spiritual life.
Yet each reader will likely recognize, in its own way, it is a path, a map, a guide, in a chartless land, helping those who spend time studying its archetypal patterns, and recognizing for themselves its implications.
Regarding the book, for myself, it belongs to the world of journey, story, and paradox.
It is reflective of the mind of a seeker, steeped in a theosophical thinking process that embraces all things simultaneously. It is “one”, yet due to the limits of our physical being, having to express life’s insights, using words, one by one.
It is composed of four main parts entitled “The Big Picture”, “Getting There”, “Practice” and “Healing”. Within these sections are many ideas, themes, quotes, references, and practical realizations. They are braided together to create an Ariadne’s thread of sorts, leading one from the beginning of a journey to its end. It also expresses that end, as permeant and pervasive throughout all the themes and parts of this work.
Considering the practical and spiritual ideations expressed throughout the book, what William Quan Judge said of Theosophy, can be paraphrased and applied here. This is a work to be read, that is shallow enough at its shores that it will not overwhelm the understanding of a new seeker, yet profound and deep in its depths of serious consideration, that it will point the way to the most profound wisdom(s) available for seekers of all beliefs and types.
It is a book of life and living in its practical aspect, and embodies the wisdom of the ages, in its profound dimensions. It points to the ocean of spiritual teachers, teachings, and spiritual works, that are guides along the path of awakening and freedom for each individually, and humanity collectively.
In the section on “the big picture”, we consider ideas such as transformation, the divine seed, science and matter, as well as the life force. We are introduced to the compassion of the great ones and their altruistic service and self-sacrifice. Illuminations of taijasic mind, grace, cycles of life, and the seasons of our principles are spoken of with simple clarity.
In the section on “getting there” we experience the power of story, the fathomless depths of quiet, stillness, and silence. We learn about the limitations of self, regarding our emotions, thoughts and beliefs. We share in a positive view and experience of our globe with its intimate connections within our being, and its many external activities and functions, as necessary for our journeys and awakenings. As we think of spirit and matter, we come to see that each is the other, as one, both within ourselves and without in great nature. We are introduced to the interconnecting lines of force within the field of life, nature, and wisdom.
In the chapter on practice, we are introduced to the idea of four pillars of practice, translated into the words of the author. These embrace the vertical heights of study, as the causes and results noted as “elevation of mind”. Through the latter we read of attaining meditative quiet, stillness and the revealing’s through silence. Service is shown to be the alpha and omega of the right journey. The fourth pillar is named as gratitude. Gratitude is shown to have numerous far reaching positive effects both in the world, and within our being. It keeps company with compassion, harmony, patience, meditation, generosity, peace, and perhaps we might add that ethical indifference, or “viraga” which allows illusion to be conquered, and truth alone to be perceived. Such qualities are shown to move one naturally along the spectrum of being. From self-centeredness to universal being. One life, and altruistic service to all as one.
The work ends with thoughts concerning “vegetarian ethic”, “the need for healing” and “Peace”, the proper result of deep understanding and endless service in an enlightened mind.
This book review cannot end without acknowledging the wonderful way it is presented as a seamless weave of many references to the spiritual giants of humanity, the mahatmas of various traditions. The devotional texts inclusive of Light on the Path, The Voice of the Silence, The Bhagavad-Gita, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, and K’s At The Feet of the Master. The basic works of the theosophical tradition such as HPB’s words, and references from the Mahatma Letters. The Theosophical fundamentals concerning deity, law and evolutionary enlightened unfolding.
The objects of the movement, encouraging universal brotherhood/sisterhood of all sentient life, global appreciation of the worlds sacred literature and traditions, and the natural awakening of the divine powers latent within all being.
There is so much more in this deceptively little book, that our limited space cannot contain so we invite you to take the journey and read it for yourself. I apologize for the length of this review, but beyond a doubt, this is a book worth contemplating. A work that points to the universal oneness of that truth, which is in all life, at all times, in all things, available for all, as one simultaneous reality of “Now”.
Namaste!
This edition of Notable Books was compiled by Eugene Jennings.