Theos-Talk Archives (July 1998 Message tt00084)

July 4th 1998

Dear Darren:

There are many forms of insanity depending on what norms you
assume are correct.

As I look at it there are a few broad divisions :

1.    Insanity caused by the impairment of the physical brain so
that the indwelling Consciousness cannot use it fully or
completely direct it.  Sometimes, medical science reveals, this
can be overcome, usually by a strong effort of will generated by
the patient, but it usually takes time and is slow.  (there are
of course many exceptions to this.)

2.    Insanity caused by past Karma -- the result of something
done or not done in a past life that affects the connection
between the Real Persona ( and its Consciousness) and the
instrument, the brain.  This is difficult to define and may be
impossible to ameliorate. [ Those who are not convinced of the
immortality of the Spirit/Soul, or of its reincarnation, will not
grasp this at all, or only partially, as some ephemeral figment
of the diseased hope of some sectarians -- namely Theosophists,
generally speaking. ]

3.    Ethical insanity, as for instance an aspect of our almost
universal condition:  belief that we live only one life.  And as
that life is precious it is to be defended at all costs.  And
this is called something like an "enlightened selfishness !"
 What ever that may mean. ] And,

This leads to the "struggle for existence."  Protection of the
"unfit."
And enormous efforts expended by the wealthy "unfit" to protect
and  perpetuate the lives, power and wealth of their equally
"unfit" progeny.  The "survival of the unfit" is supported by
those who can pay for it, at all costs, against those who are
truly "fit."  And this kind of injustice and unfairness is to be
encountered a thousand times a day in blatant as in subtle
reactions.  How then can truth find any resting place, or any one
to support it ?

This assumes that the brain has not been physically impaired as
an instrument at birth or by accident, or by deliberate misuse of
the thinking and choosing process.

Main problem is that we have yet to establish what might be
called universal norms for ethics.

Why not start with Brotherhood that Theosophy holds to be first
and basic?

Is there anything that supports it ?

Is there anything that destroys or distorts the idea, degrading
it from an "ideal" to a matter of derision ?

What  is it in us that considers these  matters ?

Is it possible to apply Theosophical psychology to this ?  If so,
how ?

I notice that in many posited memos, contributors are quite
familiar with modern psychology, the writings and ideas of Freud,
Jung, Maslow, etc...  But few seem to compare them with what
theosophy has offered.  I have wondered about that.  Why is it
that Theosophical philosophy is not studied with the avidity that
has been spent on the study of the others ? What is it in
Theosophy that appeals, and at the same time keeps people from
deep study ?  Or is that they have not been encouraged to make a
truly deep study ?  I wonder.

[Incidentally, I have a collection of quotations culled from
original Theosophical Literature ( HPB and Judge ) on this
subject.  If anyone is interested I will be glad to forward an
electronic copy to them. It is too long to send through
"theos-talk" but it can be sent direct to anyone as an
"attachment," or as "hard copy." ]

With best wishes,        Dallas.

> From: "Darren Porter" <dport@ozemail.com.au>
> Date: Saturday, July 04, 1998 4:42 AM

>A while ago, Jerry S wrote:
>>Only a handful have
>>witnessed non-duality and these are the mystics and poets
>>of the world.
>
>And the insane?
>
>Darren
>
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