the masters have written that we are all bound together in one living whole. hence the thoughts and acts of one react upon all.
experience has shewn that it is true, as said by masters, that any sincere member in any town can help the t.s. and benefit his fellow townsmen. it is not high learning that is needed, but solely devotion to humanity, faith in masters, in the higher self, a comprehension of the fundamental truths of theosophy and a little, only a little, sincere attempt to present those fundamental truths to a people who are in desperate need of them. that attempt should be continuous. no vain striving to preach or prove phenomena will be of any value, for, as again masters have written, one phenomenon demands another and another.
what the people want is a practical solution of the troubles besetting us, and that solution you have in theosophy. will you not try to give it to them more and more and save —— from the slough it is in?
i would distinctly draw your attention to brother ----. there is not that complete sympathy and toleration between him and you there ought to be, and for the sake of the work it should be otherwise. you may say that it is his fault. it is not wholly, for you must also be somewhat to blame, if not in this life then from another past one. can you deny that for a long period he has held up the branch there? for if he had not it would have died out, even though you also were necessary agents.
have any of you had unkind or revengeful feelings to him? if so, ought you not to at once drive them out of your hearts. for i swear to you on my life that if you have been troubled or unfortunate it is by the reaction from such or similar thoughts about him or others. drive them all out of your hearts, and present49 such kindliness and brotherliness to him that he shall, by the force of your living kindness, be drawn into full unity and co-operation with you.
discussion or proofs to shew that you are all right and he wrong avail nothing. we are none of us ever in the right, there is always that in us that causes another to offend. the only discussion should be to the end that you may find out how to present to the world in your district, one simple, solid, united front.
as to the expression "seeing sounds," this you understand, of course, so far as the statement goes. it records the fact that at one time the vibrations which cause a sound now were then capable of making a picture, and this they do yet on the astral plane.