Theosophical Independence Vol. 8 - 8 October 2009
Fundamental Guide to Living:
Pessimism
Who has not experienced moments of pessimism? When pessimism becomes a
prevailing tendency in the minds of individuals or nations, many barriers to
progress, brotherhood and independence are established. Certainly, major
tragedy and loss, disability, failure and conflict are experienced by nearly
every human being. However, one indicator of the ability to be “in the world
but not of it” is the power to experience the dark and chilling aspects of life
without losing optimism or hope for ourselves and humanity. The fundamental
principles of Theosophy, once put into practice, are a potent remedy to
counteract the poisonous influence of pessimism. But, first, we need to
understand this enemy within.
Pessimism is an inclination to see, anticipate or emphasize only the worst
aspects, conditions, possibilities or outcomes. It is based on a conviction
that evil and suffering outweigh good and happiness in this world - that the
good and happiness which may exist does not compensate for the evil and
suffering experienced in life. The pessimistic inclination has its root in
definite ideas about self, others and life which sustain specific feelings and
behaviors.
The mind pervaded by the influence of pessimism has certain preconceptions
about self. The pessimistic mind thinks, “I will never be successful,” and “I
can’t do anything right.” The pessimistic mind also harbors a dim view of
others in thinking, “People will never change.” The pessimist thinks, “Life is
not fair.” Such ideas would find no safe haven in the mind meditating on the
ideas of the Unity of Self and Deity, reincarnation and karma, and evolutionary
progress through self-devised and self-induced efforts. Can you begin to
understand how the fundamental principles of Theosophy are relevant?
Pessimistic people feel lonely, worthless, incompetent, defeated, unwanted,
ignored and overwhelmed. They are filled with self-pity, self-loathing and
self-deprecating attitudes. Could such an attitude exist in the mind of one
aware of the true divine nature of the Self and convinced that universal
brotherhood is a fact in nature? Unfortunately, the impact of pessimism in the
mind spreads out like the proverbial pebble dropped in a pond. It can poison
the minds of others. Pessimistic people complain. They are derogatory and
critical of others and deride all attempts to uplift or improve a difficult
situation.
Needless to say, we must all beware that this foul monster takes no sanctuary
in our minds as we travel through the darker halls of life. Equally, it is
important to help those who suffer from its suffocating grasp. A practical
approach for mitigating the influence of moments of pessimism in one’s mind, or
the tendency in the mind of another, is to take the position of the mindful
compassionate witness. Watch for ideas, words and deeds which express an
atmosphere of readiness and change in the mind. As long as the pessimistic mind
is closed and stagnant, the mental cycle is not favorable. The attitude of
questioning search for the better and the good provides an opening and
opportunity to fan the embers of optimism and hope with the “gentle breezes of
soul-wisdom.” Simple expressions and applications of the fundamental principles
of Theosophy are very powerful at these times. In their larger sphere of work
and influence, the Elder Brother of Humanity do the same. It has been stated
that They are always using the opportunities provided by the individual,
national and racial cycles of moral and spiritual impulse to help humanity.
What do They teach us? We suffer from ourselves. We suffer from
self-identification with the negative qualities in our nature and attachment to
our good qualities. We suffer because our concept of self separates us from
other selves and Deity, the Self of all. The observing Self is divine in
essence, immortal, indestructible and omnipotent. Neither good nor evil can add
to or detract from its stature as the God within.
Even a little of this practice of identifying with the observing Self will
deliver the pessimist from great risk and suffering. The mind becomes that upon
which it dwells, itself the savior from evil and champion of the good.
Quotes on Pessimism
... at the outset Theosophy postulates this perfectibility of the race, removes
the idea of innate unregenerable wickedness, and offers a purpose and an aim for
life which is consonant with the longings of the soul and with its real nature,
tending at the same time to destroy pessimism with its companion, despair.
- William Q Judge
“Manas is dual--lunar in the lower, solar in its upper portion," says a
commentary. That is to say, it is attracted in its higher aspect towards Buddhi,
and in its lower descends into, and listens to the voice of its animal soul full
of selfish and sensual desires; and herein is contained the mystery of an
adept's as of a profane man's life.
- The Secret Doctrine
“…the plastic power of the imagination is much stronger in some persons than
in others. The mind is dual in its potentiality: it is physical and
metaphysical. The higher part of the mind is connected with the spiritual soul
or Buddhi, the lower with the animal soul, the Kama principle. There are persons
who never think with the higher faculties of their mind at all; those who do so
are the minority and are thus, in a way, beyond, if not above, the average of
human kind. These will think even upon ordinary matters on that higher plane.
The idiosyncrasy of the person determines in which “principle” of the mind the
thinking is done, as also the faculties of a preceding life, and sometimes the
heredity of the physical. This is why it is so very difficult for a materialist
— the metaphysical portion of whose brain is almost atrophied — to raise
himself, or for one who is naturally spiritually minded, to descend to the level
of the matter-of-fact vulgar thought. Optimism and pessimism depend on it also
in a large measure.”
Excerpted from: “Dialogues Between The Two Editors” by H.P. Blavatsky
A
pessimist only sees the dark side of the clouds, and mopes; a philosopher sees
both sides and shrugs; an optimist doesn't see the clouds at all--he's walking
on them.
- Leonard L. Levinson
An optimist is a person who sees a green light everywhere, while a pessimist
sees only the red stoplight. . . The truly wise person is colorblind. - Albert
Schweitzer
... a pessimist is correct oftener than an optimist, but an optimist has more
fun--and neither can stop the march of events.
- Robert A. Heinlein
Pessimism never won any battle.
- Dwight David Eisenhower
An optimist laughs to forget. A pessimist forgets to laugh. - Anonymous
“Theosophical Independence” is produced monthly by Associates of The United
Lodge of Theosophists in Philadelphia located at 1917 Walnut Street,
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