Theos-Talk Archives (October 1997 Message tt00249)

Dear Brenda:

on Reincarnation

As far as my studies show the following seems reasonable:

1.  The continued sense of my own identity.

2.  A sense of being related to all those around me -- we are so
alike in essentials, and differ only in minor, personal
partculars.

3.  If Deity is EVERYWHERE, then I too am part of IT.  If IT is
"omnipresent," "omniscient," and "omnipotent," then, I too share
in a small way, perhaps potentially, in those characteristics.  I
will agree that one life is inadequate as a learning experience,
so why not many in which that which is learned is stored and used
in growing increments ?

4.  If we call this "evolution," then we influence all our
surroundings.  It is said, for instance, we are now (in body)
what we eat ! But all that we eat we do not retain.  If there is
selectivity operating, then in our bodies is an operative
intelligence of which we are so far quite unaware.  We are
tennants here.  We are also acting as though we were "owners" and
"directors," and we take or leave as we desire and choose.

5.  Where does the power to "desire," and "choose" arise from ?

6.  Who are we who employ it ?

7.  Where does the "Voice of Conscience" arise ? What is our
general moral/ethical sense ? How is it that the laws all around
the world use almost identical scales of value and responsibility
-- with a few exceptions where tribes have devised their own, and
have perverted the norms -- as exceptions.

8.  If we should be limited to one life, why is it that we try to
do so much -- at least, some of us ? And, why do others do
solittle and prey on those who are willing (or unwilling) to
support them ?

9.  As to the developing MANHOOD -- would this not be comparable
to progression through a School/college where annually individual
progress is assessed and increments permitted those who pass a
norm.  If the culmination of such a program is a high degree in
one or more subjects would not those we denominate " Masters " be
evidence (at least in idea) of such potential attainment ? I
think the analogy while not accurate has some validity.  I also
think that the way we view our life is a serious mattter as you
seem to do.

10.  There are passages I can quote you from the Bible which show
you that given the opportunity to deny reincarnation, Jesus did
not do so.  Similarly if you go through the Koran, you will find
some passages (suras) there in which the idea of pre-existence is
implied or accepted.  If you pass on to the Buddha you will note
that he had two levels of teaching -- one for the general
populace, and another to the select group he called "his "Own."
An example of this will be found quoted in the KEY TO THEOSOPHY,
it is in a footnote, pp 80-81 embodied in a conversation between
the Buddha and his initiated disciple Ananda.

11.  Again as to contact with the Masters.  Why not use what I
consider a valid parallel: Why should a freshman at the
University expect or demand that he see the President or Dean or
chancellor of his University ? It would depend on necessity, if
there was something truly vital that had to be communicated.  But
if it is curiosity, why waste the time of the Head of the
university ? When a necesity exists, the Masters will be aware of
it, and then if there is merit in the candidate one might expect
some kind of communication.

But there is much closer level of connection in wich we
participlate all the time, and that is with the "ray" of the
Universal divinity which is already present in us.  If we doubt
this, then of what value would it be to "see or talk to a Master
?" What have we done ? who are we, to make either claim or
aspiration -- especially if we have not learned to comune with
our own "Inner 'God'" -- the 'Higher Self ?" and, please, I
include myself in this level and stage.  Why should I be so
impertinent as to try to disturb them in their work ?

12.  We all have at our hands the "message." Are we studying it
and using it ? Any answer can only be given within ourselves and
not to others.

If you thinkk we need the 3rd volume of the Sd, my answer is that
we have not yet masterd the first 2 volumes -- at least I know
that I have not yet.

Is this discouraging ? Not at all.  we can all TRY.