Selfishness is the cause of all sin and suffering

Might is not right, it is “the triumph of the most unprincipled.” When vanity and selfishness hinder Nature’s ultimate possibility, they sow the seeds of their ultimate disintegration. This is the destiny of the callous and the spiritually selfish.

“Disciples may be likened to the strings of the soul-echoing Vina; mankind, unto its sounding board; the hand that sweeps it to the tuneful breath of the Great World Soul. The string that fails to answer ’neath the Master’s touch in dulcet harmony with all the others, breaks and is cast away.” And the reckless schoolboy cannot be being helped, because it acknowledges no master.

The main cause of pain lies in our personality seeking the permanent in the impermanent. Animals do not suffer so keenly as human beings, and do not remember suffering. Only those who dare to lift the veil of illusion can soon stand beyond all pain, all misery, and beyond all the wear and tear of change, which is the chief originator of pain.

Mutual toleration and charity for each other’s shortcomings; mutual help in the research of truths in every domain, moral or physical and even, in daily life — these are the hallmarks of a True Theosophist.