BASICS OF ESOTERISM:
Human virtues -- Goodwill (1)
by Aart Jurriaanse

 
What an excellent portent that the word ‘goodwill’ is today being bandied about and used fast and loose in many public speeches and journalistic articles throughout the world. It is realized only too well that on many occasions it is used insincerely and even falsely, merely with the purpose of influencing and pandering to public opinion, but this is already sufficient indication that the broader public, the man in the street, is increasingly becoming aware of the role that goodwill is playing in universal human relations, and that this is the only way open to attain that peace for which the masses are yearning. The average man has had enough of this perpetual fighting amongst individuals, groups and nations, and is longing for goodwill and peace.

Goodwill is the directing of the energies of Light, Love and Understanding to all men. Actually it represents only one facet of Love, and is a potent energy at the disposal of every human being intending to use it to good effect. It is the projecting of positive, helpful and constructive thoughts to others, with the sincere purpose of producing good -- where possible these thoughts should be vigorously supported by commensurate action.

When attitudes of understanding and goodwill become the keynote of a man’s life, it is bound to affect and change the whole of his outlook and personality -- “no man liveth unto himself”. It will inevitably bring forth more harmonious conditions, both within himself and in his circle of influence, than could be encompassed by any form of physical demonstration.

The man who decides to live a life based on the principles of goodwill will find that, because it is such a beautiful ideal, it will demand stern sacrifices, and at first will prove difficult to apply in practice. On the other hand it is a life bringing rich rewards. Such a life will demand:

(a) Right thoughts, based on intelligent love.
(b) Right and constructive speech, which will not hurt or harm unnecessarily, and must therefore be governed by self-control.
(c) Skill in action, which will prove harmless, but at the same time effective towards improving human relations.

It will be found that these endeavours, if seriously undertaken, will call forth every resource of a man’s being, and will certainly take time and persistence to achieve.

Goodwill can only be the product of true and loving understanding, and will be an indication of a personality coming increasingly under the influence of the soul -- therefore it is the criterion of a soul-infused personality. The practice of goodwill will also attract to the disciple those energies which are beneficent, and which may then be applied for the helping of others. These salutary forces will simultaneously react upon and transmute any harmful vibrations which might still lurk in his etheric aura.

In esoteric literature reference is often made to the “Will-to-Good”; this is that dynamic energy with which man is irradiated and inspired, either from the Hierarchy, or direct from Shamballa. It is this primary force of the Divine Will with which man is animated, and which he transmutes and expresses as goodwill. The student should, however, not brood unduly over these distinctions -- greater clarity will come with continued study.

Goodwill, which is automatically coupled with right human relations, is rapidly becoming the ideal of the masses. This is demonstrated by the many movements throughout the world for the supply of relief in its variety of forms -- for the poor, the sick, the aged, the backward and the uneducated. In all spheres of life where distress of any kind occurs, steps are being taken towards its alleviation. Undoubtedly a great deal remains to be done, and new problems and needs arise daily, but nevertheless the spirit of goodwill that has been awakened in the human race is unmistakable, is rapidly spreading, and is often unexpectedly disclosed where least expected. It has a contagious influence, and one act of goodwill is so often reciprocated by another, thus oft initiating a chain effect.

The inclination is to think of goodwill as a form of sentimental kindness, but it may be displayed in numberless ways. A scientist may dedicate his work and the fruit of his research to human welfare; a man may offer his physical body for the testing of certain treatments, which might lead to the permanent undermining of his health or even to death; many instances may thus be enumerated where men willingly sacrifice their all -- property, reputation, status, health and even life on behalf of their family, nation or humanity as a whole. These may all be regarded as expressions of goodwill, and so there are many, many more. In our news media the inclination is to focus the attention on that which is sensational and thrilling, as these news items usually have the best sales value with the masses, whereas acts of goodwill or sacrifice as a rule draw much less attention and may even be ignored. But even in this respect changes are becoming noticeable.

To hold such a conglomerate group together requires something more than mere talking and writing about the ideals of goodwill and better human relationships. To retain the active interest of members will demand inspired leadership, which will result in imaginative and constructive service activities. The feeling must be inculcated in members that they severally and jointly are working towards a worthwhile objective, for which they must not only exert themselves, but which will also demand sacrifices. The idealist wants to make sacrifices for what he considers to be a good cause, and these opportunities should be provided. Some of the 'Units of Service' do undertake smaller service activities, but seemingly most of this work is of a routine and unimaginative nature, not inspiring members to concentrated exertion and sacrificial effort. This must inevitably lead to waning enthusiasm, which is unfortunate because the movement contains vast potentialities. Basically the organization appears to be sound and ready to undertake more responsible work, but it needs to be aroused and infused with fresh energy, to become that effective channel through which the Masters can work more actively and constructively.

Aart Jurriaanse, wrote a number of compilations from the books of Alice A. Bailey. Among these are: Of Life and other worlds; Prophecies; Ponder on this; Serving Humanity; The Soul; The Quality of Life; and he is also the author of Bridges which is a Commentary on these teachings.   

Directory of articles by Aart Jurriaanse

"The future will see right relationships, true communion, a sharing of all things  (wine, the blood, the life and bread, economic satisfaction) and goodwill; we have  also a picture of the future of humanity when all nations are united in complete  understanding and the diversity of languages - symbolic of differing traditions,  cultures, civilizations and points of view - will provide no barrier to right  human relations..."  The Tibetan 

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