Theos-Talk Archives (November 1997 Message tt00312)

Nov 16th 1997

Dear M:

Thanks --

By "Principles" I mean universal ideas and facts: e.g. :
the "three fundamentals"which HPB gives us in SD I pp. 14-18.
And in the KEY on p. 231 she adds Karma, Reincarnation and specifically
"Human soldarity."

By wrangling I mean the personal response to others opinions which do
differ, and which seem to put us on edge. Rather than some sharp toned
rebuke we could enquire further (for the sake of understanding) into the
reason for some expression or opinion used by another.

I notice in our exchanges -- at large -- that we offer opinions freely, but
seem to fail to show others where we secured them, or where they can go to
verify the accuracy of what we offer.

Seems to me that if we are going to help each other, we ought to be
building together and consolidating, rather than seeking to remain separate
and isolated in what we may have adopted as comforting and pleasant to us.
When we meet opposition, is it not a time to ask "Why ?"

That's all I had in mind. It is agreed that "wrangling" and "argument" are
usually counterproductive or negative as they simply continue the walls
within we have planted our garden of ideas and seek to preserve them
against all-comers. But the world of ideas and facts is far wider than any
of our gardens, and in fact includes them all, so "discussion" may be a
very friendly "over-the-wall-in the backyard exchange" between friendly and
cooperative neighbours.
 Dal

==


----------
> From: "M K Ramadoss" <ramadoss@eden.com>
> Subject: Re: Theosophy
> Date: Sunday, November 16, 1997 3:53 AM
>
> Dallas TenBroeck wrote:
> >>>clip<<<<
> > If we all unite on PRINCIPLES, and agree
> > together that they are valid, then we all progress together. But all
> > wrangling gets us exactly nowhere, and with our "feathers ruffled."
The
> > original T S as formulated, was an association in which freedom,
> > independnce and voluntary assistance to each other formed the bonds of
> > unity. It seems to me, that, is one of the greatest ideas that
Theosophy
> > reasserted, to be used, if we will, as a practical ideal.
> > Dallas
>
> Dear Dallas:
>
> All the wrangling gets us nowhere, but discussion should be ok.
>
> If we don't agree on PRINCIPLES and are not united, it is not going to
> further the cause of Theosophy, and keeping the PRINCIPLES and need for
> unity at the back of our mind in all actions will produce greatest good
> to all.
>

I say: Let's get the principles out in front of us, so we are sure we are
all speaking of the same thing. Dal