Page:A Collection of Esoteric Writings.djvu/189

175 In estimating the influence on a man's Devachanic existence of a particular thought or train of thought, we must enquire into the utility of the latter and its effect on the world at large, and not imagine that everything depends upon whether the thought is subjective or objective.

It is a mistake to suppssesuppose [sic] that ideation which refers to practical work has less potentiality in this direction than ideation which only relates to the mental plane.

Good work on the physical plane hepls on our spiritual development.

First, by its influence on the formation of habits; a man constantly engaged in doing good works is not likely to fall into bad habits.

Secondly, by its effects on both the astral and the physical plane, a good action has the effect of concentrating good influences on the doer. When a man makes bad Karma, by the very ideation he attracts to himself forces which will lead him from bad to worse. A man, who has good ideas, attracts influences of quite a different kind and these will begin to help him on his way.

On the other hand, actions must not be judged of by their effects alone, because then one element is wanting, the inward impulse prompting the act must also be taken into consideration.

The question of our responsibility for the occurrence of a bad thought must be considered from a purely causal stand-point, so that the introduction of anything like the idea of a judge may be avoided.

The fact that the bad thought has occurred in your mind, makes an impression on the astral plane, though, if the thought is driven away by opposition, the bad effects may be neutralized. But if your will-power gives way to the bad ideas, they will produce evil effects, whereas if a determined will-power controls your thoughts, you will get into the path of virtue.