Barbara Hebert – USA
Barbara in action at Olcott in Wheaton
Family, friends, health, and security are undeniably precious. Yet, as students of the Ageless Wisdom, we recognize that these aspects of life are temporary. A deeper question arises: What is important in terms of our spiritual life and growth? Is it mastering our thoughts and emotions, committing to daily study and meditation, weaving theosophical teachings into our everyday actions, or serving humanity? Each of these represents vital steps in our spiritual development.
As we transition from 2025 into 2026, reflecting on spiritual growth becomes especially timely. Some might even say it should form the very foundation of our plans for the year ahead. The Ageless Wisdom reminds us that progress on the path is meaningful only when motivated by service to humanity rather than self-interest. Every sincere effort, however small, contributes to the collective good.
Because each soul’s journey is unique, there is no single formula for living theosophy. Yet one principle is clear: implementation is essential. To live a spiritual life is not optional—it is the very heart of the teachings. William Q. Judge, in Practical Theosophy, emphasizes that “…practical Theosophy must enter into every detail of life in our dealings with others and our discipline of ourselves.” This calls us to examine both our outward interactions and our inner discipline, purifying the personality for the work ahead.
One practical method encouraged by the Ageless Wisdom teachings is conscious awareness of our thoughts and emotions, followed by learning to manage them wisely. Though familiar, this teaching carries special weight in today’s world. Division and separation dominate global affairs, manifesting as greed, fear, anger, poverty, and suffering. When we hear or read about the inhumanity in the world, it is easy to feel overwhelmed or to be swept into the tide of negativity. Yet the Ageless Wisdom warns that when individuals align with divisive energies, these energies are reinforced within humanity’s collective consciousness.
We have studied and understand the power of thought. With the privilege of studying these teachings comes the responsibility to apply them for humanity’s upliftment. Each of us must consciously challenge and dissolve thoughts that perpetuate separation. The Mahatma KH explained to A.P. Sinnett:
Every thought of [an individual] upon being evolved passes into the inner world and becomes an active entity by associating itself – coalescing, we might term it – with an elemental; that is to say with one of the semi-intelligent forces of the kingdoms. It survives as an active intelligence, a creature of the mind's begetting, for a longer or shorter period proportionate with the original intensity of the cerebral action which generated it. Thus, a good thought is perpetuated as an active beneficent power; an evil one as a maleficent demon. And so [an individual] is continually peopling his current in space with a world of his own, crowded with the offsprings of his fancies, desires, impulses, and passions…. (1)
This principle echoes across traditions. The Buddha reputedly taught, “We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think.” Annie Besant observed, “…as we give out thoughts, good or evil, so we affect our own and others' lives… we make the world of today and of tomorrow.” (2) Marcus Aurelius affirmed, “Our life is what our thoughts make it.” (3)
The question, then, is how we are using our understanding of thought and feeling, of the workings of kama manas?. Do we radiate peace, unity, love, and acceptance? Do we act with conscious intention? And when we falter—as we inevitably will—do we catch ourselves and redirect our energy?
Negative thinking not only harms us but reverberates outward, altering the subtle energies of the mental plane and influencing others. Breaking free from this cycle can be difficult, but gratitude offers a simple, powerful antidote. By cultivating daily thankfulness—even for small blessings such as the beauty of nature (the green leaves on a tree juxtaposed with the radiant blue sky or a flower with its myriad variations in color), the opportunity to grow spiritually, or simply the capacity to feel gratitude—we shift our focus. Gratitude generates positivity, surrounds us with uplifting energy, and radiates outward, countering division with unity and love in the world.
In times of darkness, Rumi’s words remind us: “If everything around seems dark, look again, you may be the light.” As students of the Ageless Wisdom, we incarnated at this moment for a purpose. We are called to be light-bearers, radiating compassion, unity and love into the world. By living theosophy—disciplining ourselves, consciously shaping our thoughts and feelings, and serving humanity—we join others across the globe in illuminating the path forward. In doing so, we become the Light so urgently needed today.
References
- Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in Chronological Sequence, Appendix I (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 472.
- Annie Besant, Adyar Pamphlet #42, p. 26, http://www.theosophical.ca/adyar_pamphlets/AdyarPamphlet_No42.pdf#
- Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book IV, section 3
- H.P. Blavatsky (1889), The Key to Theosophy, Part II, “The Theosophical Society as a Body,” Chapter XII, “What is Practical Theosophy?”