Theos-Talk Archives (October 1997 Message tt00132)

Dear Peter:

Welcome to our talkative company -- many fine minds and many
opinions.  We seek those ideas that are useful and common-sense,
and which balance our daily realities with what humor we can
muster in view of the fact that we are, in fact, all, brother
(and sister) immortals in essence.  We cannot "get rid of
each-other, now, or in the future." (Although we may refuse to
communicate from time to time.)

The "theosophical world" is a wide one.  Tolerance of each
other's beliefs is basic to all, or we could not talk to each
other.  We can be at the same time sympathetic and trenchent when
an idea seems inaccurate.  So we have all to be resillient.

What we do have in common is a basic desire to find and use that
which is true and useful.  If we find that someone seems to have
developed a tangent, or a bias, one or other of us is very likely
to challenge it (not the person, but the idea) in tones "loud and
clear." This can often be quite abraisive to one's pet ideas or
beliefs.  At that time we ought to sit and examine them, and then
return with questions that bring out the meaning (as we may have
misunderstood) of what the other says.

Our largest barrier has been, and is, largely: language, as we
have all developed personal uses for words, and our ideas seem to
be, different in value.  This can always be adjusted but, it
takes time and patience.

In some cases the "history," or the "traditions" of the
theosophical group in which we have developed seems to separate
those groups, but, a study of the developing history of the
Theosophical Movement (documents and events) recociles such
differences.  But, that is reviewing the past, and, is only
valuable to explain some trends we each carry and show.

The more we know, the broader the base of study and
consideration, the more stable is Theosophy found to be as a
philosophy that considers all aspects of nature, of life, and of
development.  In its consideration of human psychology alone it
outstrips and adjusts many aspects of Modern clinical Psychology,
-- I offer this as one instance.  In another realm it is found to
delve into the sources of all faiths, sects and religions with a
view to seeking their common origins and thus reconciling them
all--adding to the understanding that leads to true tolerance.
In the original Theosophical literature written by Mme.
Blavatsky you willfind wide ranging concepts of knowledge
reviewed.  Some statements conflict with Science, as she claims
that ancient science shows a broader base than that which is yet
developed as our Science investigates Nature in many departments.
After all: Science seeks for those facts and laws that are
already existent in the complexities and relationships existing
already in Nature as a whole.

There is much more, as for instance, the concept of universal
evolution --a progress which involves every single living thing,
and binds all together into a vast "brotherhood," from the "atom"
to the "World," to the Universe as a Whole.  It looks into the
origins of intelligence in life and being, and it considers their
middle course in which we now find ourselves, and finally it
considers the eventual reincarnation of all this marvelous
complexity as a continuity which never ceases to be.

Hence immortality for the spirit/soul of eah human, as of all
"life-atoms (Monads)" is a given.  The Universe is run by Laws
which are complex but simple in their operations: each action, be
it a thought or an impulse leaves an indelible impression of its
surroundings, beginning with our selves, and thus we predispose
ourselves to the personal nature which we have.  The power of the
will, based on individual intelligence and consciousness allows
each of us to choose his own future by decisions which are his,
or her, own.  Thus universal evolution.  This independence is
said to be a proof of the immortal Individuality, of the
Spirit/Soul of each person.  It is an idea at least worth
considering, as included in its purview is the concept that each
is individually responsible for such choices and acts as they do,
and this responibility is inescapable (Karma) because of the
universal equity and justice that rules every aspect of Nature.
There are no "miracles," nor will "prayer" cause our making of
the essential and necessary restitution (or benefit) to vanish.

You observe that much seems theoretical and there is less in the
nature of "practical" matters discussed.  This may be so, but the
"theoretical," if correct can lead to the practical, which is in
the hands and subject to the will/decisions of each person in the
place where he/she lives and works.

For all of us one primary duty exists: to learn what Theosophy
teaches.  The applications then are obvious.  A knowledge of such
theoretical/practical information can best be acquired by a
careful reading of Mme.  Blavatsky's THE KEY TO THEOSOPHY (300
pages).  This book offers a good basis to secure information on
all aspects of basic theosophical theory and its practical
application, as she devotes over 100 pages to both subjects.

I am sure that you know most of this and I am only writing
because you say you are a new-comer to this our shmorasbroad of
thoughts and ideas.

All the best to you