Being an inherently philanthropic movement, I would like to humbly suggest that Theosophical efforts have had a certain influence on modern humanitarian and social activist movements. Modern
technocratic capitalist society prides itself in its scientific advances
and
material comfort, at least for those who live in the developed western
world.
However, the ethical problem seems to have slipped away somehow.
Religion no
longer knows how to inspire morality, philosophers get lost in
specialized
theoretical speculations, and politicians like to legislate the loftiest
ethical visions that have no way of being applied practically, whereas
modern ethical works are basically concerned with how to navigate
overabundance.
One way that humanitarian values have managed to be encouraged, is with the United Nations calendars of special theme days, of which there are many. The United Nations (UN) centers its mission around core values like peace, justice, respect, human rights, tolerance, and solidarity, enshrined in its Charter and guiding principles, aiming to prevent conflict, uphold dignity,
ensure equality, and foster global cooperation for a better world
, emphasizing that these values are interconnected pillars of security, development, and human dignity. Below is a selection, one day per month, that may be compatible with Theosophical spiritual values. Would it not be beneficial to promote the values inherent in these daily reminders, in a more concerted and united way? Hashtags have been included for more cohesive on-line efforts. Moreover, for a more diverse perspective, a second list of theme days has been included that is more independent of the United Nations.
Ideally, one could take some time on the specified day to develop a reflection on how Theosophical values can contribute to the healthy flourishing of the theme in question. Now if one considers that the basic ethical approach of Theosophy is based in the practical, active application of duty-based ethics, then a more enterprising approach would be to develop concrete events in one's community in order to inform, promote and encourage the values in question in each person's daily life. In the word's of H. P. Blavatsky, 'It is not enough to laud the body and branches, as sources of morality and wisdom and benevolance, for they will always be judged by the outward world by the fruits, not by the pretensions, not by what they say, but by what they do.' (The Letters of H. P. Blavatsky to A. P. Sinnett, p. 141)
Jan 19 Martin
Luther King Jr. Day
#MLKDay
Feb. 1-7 World Interfaith Harmony Week
April 15 World Art Day
Sept 21 International Day of Peace #PeaceDay
Oct 2 International Day of
non-violence (Gandhi’s birthday)
Variant list
Feb 20 World Day of Social Justice
April 22 Earth
Day #EarthDay
August 19 World Humanitarian Day
Sept 20 Word
Cleanup Day
Oct 1
International Music Day
Dec 10
International Animal Rights Day
ps- For the more combative, tenacious souls willing to face the more virulent causes of pain and suffering in the world, a list of some of the more prevalent vices that plague society, and the days aimed at their vigorous opposition:
1st Tuesday in April SAAM (Sexual Assault Awareness Month) Day
of Action
Mar 4 World Obesity Day
April 7 World Health Day
May 31 World
No Tobacco Day (WNTD)
June
26 International Day against Drug Abuse and
Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day
October 3 World Alcohol-Free Day
November 18 World Day for Prevention and Healing from Child
Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence
see also:
