Theos-Talk Archives (May 1998 Message tt00042)

At 06:05 AM 5/1/1998 -0700, you wrote:
>May 1st 1998
>
>Dear Doss:
>
>Thanks for the valuable suggestions an the list of "Web-sites"
>that could be given a cross-index to Theosophical subjects.  That
>is splendid.
>
It may a good idea to put all our heads & hearts together and come up with
a list of key words which are likely to be used by users when they search
using search engines.

>Keep it, and perhaps add to it as you go through some of the
>material I send you by "snail-mail" of floppies.
>

If the files are not large, they can be e-mailed as attachments. Also I
found that zip disks are fantastic for shipping large amounts of data. I
can send you two zip disks.

One feature I found being used in some websites is the option to receive
the material as a e-mail. You just clik on the e-mail option and a window
opens and you specify the e-mail address - any address - it could be yours
or your friend's. For an example visit www.anchordesk.com which is a site
of Zdnet where you can find a lot of info on computer hardware/software etc.

>Separately I send you 2 batches of Floppies (9).  You will find
>thereon a mass of work done to partially index Theosophical
>statements (quotes, etc.) on a large number of subjects.  I can
>always add to this, on request, by delving into the "literature"
>on just about any subject that Theosophy ha something to say
>on -- and that coves a very wide area.
>
>Taken all in all, reading through them would be a kind of study
>introduction to Theosophy in itself.
>
>But (as usual) let me elevate a preliminary warning:  no one
>ought to take that as "Gospel."
>
>As HPB repeatedly says:  All the statements are PROPOSITIONS --
>they may be leaves taken from the Ashwatta tree of ancient
>knowledge or history, and from the records of the experiments
>conducted by the Adepts  (SD I 272-3),  Insofar as we are
>concerned, we have, EACH OF US, to re-verify them with our
>thinking, and with our minds, such as they are, so as to decide
>INDEPENDENTLY on their usefulness.  This is in line with the
>complete freedom that all WISDOM requires.  In dealing with truth
>and facts there ought to be no coercion at all.  But, there can
>be mutual exchange, and assistance.  Each one selects their own
>"Path."  Each proceeds at their own "pace."
>
>In other words, what you will find there is the kind of
>importance that my mind-filter assigns to certain statements.
>The whole is a tendency towards affirming the value and
>reasonableness of what I have found in Theosophy.
>
>Another person on his/her study might choose a quite different
>set, and again, there may be overlaps.  Each one, as we progress,
>are always FREE to choose those ideas which appeal to us the
>most -- from there, the task becomes one of organization and
>reconfirmation of value.  There is no stoppage to such a process,
>as it becomes (or rather continues) to be a whole-life activity.
>It has been called:  "the line of a life's meditation.
>
>For instance, I had forgotten the fact that AB had opposed Gandhi
>to such an extent as to make an ES issue of it.  This shows you
>how the position of the Es was abused, as no such thing was ever
>envisaged by HPB/Judge when it was originally set up -- according
>to the documents available.
>

The above issue bothers me a lot. A lot of people accepted it and obeyed
the dictates of AB in this regards. That is their decision. But it raises a
more fundamental issue which I don't think is told to prospective
candidates who want to join ES. It is a question of where your conscience
plays a part. If there is an issue in which the ES policy is to act in one
way and your conscience does not agree with it, are your allowed to act
according to your conscience. This came up a couple of years ago. A member
of TSA was seen to violate its policy and as a consequence was asked to
leave ES. (Even this violation did not occur since later it was found that
the member acted in full compliance with the State Law.) Some time later
this member was invited to come back and re-join. At that time, this
question was put by the ex-member of ES. The person said there is no
problem if there is an assurance that if there is an issue in which there
is conflict with the conscience, the person wanted act according the
conscience rather than the dictate of someone else however high the person
may be. There was no answer forthcoming and the person never joined back as
far as I know. The above details are not secret. A message was posted on
theos-l about 3 years ago describing the incident. I had sent the info with
my comment that the member was wronged and an apology is due from TSA for
wrongfully charging a violation.


>As to how Martin Luther King and his movement in the US was
>handled by the Adyar E S, I have no idea.  Perhaps you may find
>some indication of it in your area.  I would be curious to know.
>

Would anyone who is knowledgeable let us know. If you do not want to
disclose your identity for fear of retaliation, you can send me a private
e-mail at ramadoss@eden.com.


>I do know that Wadiaji and Gandhiji were ideologically very great
>friends.
>
    I did not know about it.


>Yes -- as we proceed to look at the history of persons and
>organizations, we can see how either good points or errors
>occurred.  After the event we have 20/20 vision.  It is the
>forecasting process that is our real "test." -- Each of us is
>tested there as to our real progress -- and that is what I mean
>when I write of the "moral/ethical" nature of Theosophical
>application, and the "harmlessness' to others that the true
>student has to develop in all he does.  Study the VOICE OF THE
>SILENCE.  Make it you daily companion, it will help.  All is
>contained there as the seed of the Lotus contains a miniature and
>whole plant in embryo.
>

>After you have sifted through what I send separately, you may be
>able to decide further on the suggestions that you make.  Is
>there enough material ?  Should the Books and Articles of the
>Source ( Core ) Theosophy be emphasized ?
>
It looks like I have to get my feet wet in the Web business. All I have
been doing is theoretical/conceptual discussion. A lot of work has to be
done and it can be done. Once it is done, anyone can be permitted to
duplicate it, which they call mirroring.

>Have a good look at " blavatsky.org" in NY -- they have some very
>good ideas,  But those could be improved on.  See also the
>following:
>
>You have as an existing work -- I mean, along the lines  of
>spreading Theosophy,
>the -- http://www.blavatsky.org -- site in New York .  It is run
>voluntarily by
>( Reed Carson --  scribe@blavatsky.org ) ;
>
>and --   http://www.theosophycompany.org --  site in Kent, (near
>Seattle) Washington State.   It is run as a volunteer project by
>(Gail Stevenson -- compass@theosophycompany.org  ),   On this
>site, the monthly THEOSOPHY is being made available to those who
>want to read it.
>
>and there is another at  theolit@whidbey.com  --
> http://www.whidbey.net/theolit  ]  this specializes in W.Q.Judge
>Articles, etc... (it is run as a volunteer activity my Janet
>Whitman ).  All of these follow the ULT principle:  No charges,
>No fees.
>
>I mention these because they are ULT oriented and therefore they
>offer the "original Texts" and have no restrictions of any kind
>imposed on those who seek for information.
>
In this day and age, people use restrictions both for business and other
purposes. Some days ago, I saw at attempt to use copyright laws, in a non
commercial situation to restrict further free dissemination of info which
has already been widely known and distributed/communicated.

I am glad to know about the ULT orientation. May be others may learn
something from ULT.

>http://www.blavatsky.org  offers hyperlinks to the data bases at
>several other T S source centers.
>
>I am taking the liberty of forwarding your suggestions to two
>good ULT friends of mine:
>
>Wesley Amerman  ( amerman@soca.com  )
>
>and Gabriel Bleckman  (gabor7@aol.com )
>
>They have been active in the concept of spreading Theosophy
>through the Internet.
>
>That 's all I can think of for now.  After you have reviewed the
>mass of material I send you, lets hear how you think this project
>ought to proceed.
>
>=========================
>
>Floppies:  I send you duplicates one set is in the original
>WORDSTAR 7.0.
>
>The second set ( not an exact duplicate of the WORDSTAR batch )
>is in MS WORD and was translated on my 486 to MS WORD from the
>WORDSTAR version. ( So it may actually be in MS-WORD 6.0 )
>
>Personally I do not like MS WORD as I find it less flexible than
>WORDSTAR.  But I also realize that it may be my inexpertness.
>

You can continue to use Wordstar since it can be read by other popular
wordprocessing programs. I think the trick to avoid conversion problems is
to use very basic formatting in the document.



>-----------------------------------------------------------------
>-
>
>I am curious about your suggestions that some work be done in DOS
>on the WIN 95 system.  I will have to try this out.
>
There are still several "old" DOS programs which run very well and fast and
continue to be used. There are also many DOS utilities.


>I am running so short of time it is annoying, as there is much to
>be done, and all I want of the computer is to save time.  And
>have things go smoothly -- you can't imagine (yes, you do ) the
>amount of time I am spending on just learning the capabilities of
>this equipment -- what I need is a good manual.  Any ideas, as I
>can buy from CompuServe or Fry's or BEST BUYS, etc -- all within
>5 miles.  I need a comprehensive title.
>
>Of the several SCANNERS that are currently offered - at
>reasonable prices now, do you happen to have any
>recommendations -- for accuracy, flexibility, and speed ?  I do
>not need color, though that is offered, as all my work so far is
>in black and white.
>

If you go to www.zdnet.com, you can look for reviews of scanners. I think
one of the  Reader's Choice goes for $90.00 and it would do a good job for
the application you have in mind. I will let you know the name and model of
the scanner. If I were you, I will get the scanner from an outlet which has
a 30 day moneyback guarantee with no strings attached so that if you find
the scanner not suitable you can return it.

.....d0ss


>'bye for the moment and thanks.                Dal.
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: "M K Ramadoss" <ramadoss@eden.com>
>Date: Wednesday, April 29, 1998 11:42 PM
>Subject: Re: Theosophical Movement
>
>
>>Dallas:
>>
>>Yes it is a very grand picture indeed. At least some of us will
>be around
>>to see it.
>>
>>The move towards increased volume and velocity and easy access
>to
>>information is going on at a galloping pace. None of us can
>predict how it
>>is going to affect the world tomorrow.
>>
>>You have asked a very basic and pertinent question. How does one
>get to
>>know the word Theosophy? It has to be introduced thru other
>simpler
>>concepts or ideas.
>>
>>Most Internet users use search engines to search www's and
>usenet groups
>>using key words. The search engines scour all the websites and
>index them
>>on key words. To get some of the key words indexed in these
>search engines,
>>we can setup web pages on the following topics:
>>
>>Theosophy
>>Karma
>>Reincarnation
>>Para Normal Experiences
>>Dreams
>>Mesmerism
>>Clairvoyance
>>Mysteries
>>Atlantis
>>Sorrow and Suffering
>>Death
>>Immortality
>>Wisdom
>>...
>>...
>>
>>These words will get indexed by the search engines and if anyone
>searches
>>for say Mesmerism or Immortality, they will find the web page
>and when they
>>visit the web page, the word Theosophy and related topics can be
>>described/introduced and links provided where they can find more
>information.
>>
>>Key words and links are critical for inducing users to visit the
>website.
>>Once they are visiting, the presentation they find should be
>attention
>>grabbing and simple to understand.
>>
>>
>>
>>At 06:56 PM 4/29/1998 -0700, you wrote:
>>>April 29th
>>>
>>>Doss:
>>>
>>>It is quite a grand picture that you present on the potential
>of
>>>Internet.
>>>
>>>I have been wondering about the position that Theosophy might
>be
>>>able to offer or to hold -- at least to serve as an
>introduction.
>>>
>>>Where should it be posted, and in what context of reciprocity
>if
>>>any ?
>>>
>>>Apparently if one has heard the word THEOSOPHY one might  zero
>in
>>>on what is currently available.  But if one does not know of
>>>that, what is the "entry point ?"
>>>
>>>Why not have a thinking bee on that and see what emerges.
>>>
>>>====================================
>>>
>>>As regards the "organizations" and their stick in the mud of
>the
>>>past -- not all are ignorant of the Web potential, but they may
>>>not yet see how it can be employed for the benefit of the
>>>users/inquirers.
>>>
>>>It is my belief that the oldsters in "Theosophical
>>>Organizations"may hold tight reins on their galloping
>youngsters.
>>>How else to hold an "organization" together.
>>>
>>    In today's free world when everything is questioned, we may
>have to
>>leave the organizations to go their own way. While I have
>nothing against
>>oldsters, much of the monumental work is usually done by people
>who are in
>>the prime of life and work full time for a cause, not for a
>living.
>>
>>
>>>However THEOSOPHY is FREE.
>>
>>Let us state this again and again.
>>
>>
>>
>>>
>>>It is feast of IDEAS as well as of practical IDEALS.
>>>
>>>Why did Einstein, as an instance, use the SD ?
>>>
>>>Are there other eminent persons who profited from Theosophy.
>>>
>>>Gandhi acknowledge indebtedness, and then he proceeded to ask
>>>himself very simply if he could put the principles of freedom
>and
>>>of non-violence into actual practice.  History tells the
>>>subsequent struggle -- and the freeing of a sub-continent, at
>>>least politically.  That freedom was paid for him in his own
>>>blood.  and the people of the country must carry the shame,
>even
>>>if creedal orthodoxy is to blame.  He was as always quite
>>>unprotected.  He is a martyr to his own ideals.
>>>
>>
>>One of the most revealing things in the msg Wadia gave when he
>left
>>TS(Adyar) was the issue of difference of opinion between Besant
>and Gandhi
>>relative to tactics adopted to fight for Independence.
>>
>>Besant did not subscribe to Gandhi's non violent non cooperation
>actions
>>and Gandhi's demand for total independence from England. During
>the
>>Independence struggle, I saw many active members of TS(Adyar)
>avoiding
>>Gandhi and the Indian National Congress. I wondered about it.
>>
>>>From Wadia's msg, I learnt that Besant as head of the ES, would
>not allow
>>anyone to remain in the ES if he/she joined Gandhi's camp and
>participated
>>in his non violent struggles. This was quite a surprise and
>shock to me. It
>>would be very interesting to find out if any such policy
>exisited in this
>>country in the ES during the time Martin Luther King engaged in
>non violent
>>protests.
>>
>>>But look around India today, and ask who actually is inspired
>>> among the students and the masses) with Gandhian idealism and
>>>action ?  Who is it that knows actually the life and history of
>>>Jawaharlal Nehru, of Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan ? and of other
>>>great ones of the Freedom Movement ?
>>>
>>>Each country in the World since 1947 can think of their heroes
>>>and of the freedom that they now enjoy -- and the suffering
>that
>>>has come on many -- and ask what lesson has been learned ?  Who
>>>has profited?
>>>
>>>Same for Theosophy.
>>>
>>>What shall we do, Where is the next channel of work ?
>>>Dallas
>>
>>Let us all thinking bees get to work and share our results.
>>
>>
>>mkr