To Light a Thousand Lamps - The Theosophical Society

122 / TO LIGHT A THOUSAND LAMPS
Even if we faithfully adhere to the ancient proscription
against improper use of paranormal powers, when the pāramitās
(‘‘transcendental virtues’’ — see ch. 13) are practiced
with diligence over an extended period, profound inner
changes do occur both in character and within the constitution.
The individual may discover, especially in the practice
of dhyāna, ‘‘meditation, concentration,’’ that certain of the
iddhis are activated. This is not out of line provided one
maintains silence, inner balance, purity of motive, and vigilance
against psychic vanity.
All of this HPB made amply clear in the Preliminary
Memorandum and Rules she sent to applicants who sought
to join the newly formed Esoteric Section (1888):
the student — save in exceptional cases — will not be
taught how to produce physical phenomena, nor will any
magical powers be allowed to develop in him; nor, if possessing
such powers naturally, will he be permitted to exercise
them before he has thoroughly mastered the knowledge of
SELF, ...until he has in abeyance all his lower passions
and his PERSONAL SELF ...
9. No member shall pretend to the possession of psychic
powers that he has not, nor boast of those which he may have
developed. Envy, jealousy, and vanity are insidious and powerful
foes to progress, and it is known from long experience
that, among beginners especially, the boasting of, or calling
attention to, their psychic powers almost invariably causes
the development of these faults and increases them when
present. Hence —
10. No member shall tell to another, especially to a fellow
member, how much he has progressed or what recogni-