Theos-Talk Archives (August 1998 Message tt00388)

August 21st

Dear Darren:

When I was a lad of about 12 I thought I had learned enough about swimming
in sea water so that I could swim anywhere.  I jumped into a pool of fresh
water and promptly sank, lost my head and almost drowned.  Fortunately a
friend was with me and hauled me out.

It was a great lesson.  While anxious to understand all I can from those who
write reports, I do not think it entitles me to jump in "over my head."
again.  I have had the inestimable good fortune this life to travel widely
all over the world in many strange and exotic countries, and when there I
made it a point to study what I could of their religion, history, beliefs,
and customs, so that I would better understand them and not violate any of
their taboos, if any.  I found that this served as a key to making many
lasting friendships.

>From the reading of ISIS, SD, and HPB's articles, and what Judge has to say
about the Astral and Psychic Planes in OCEAN OF THEOSOPHY I have a great
respect for what is/might be there.

In India where I spent much of my life (35 years or more) information about
the psychic and the "spiritual" world was so common that it was "no special
news" to be talking and inquiring into it with almost anyone with whom one
set up an acquaintance.  Let me say that my inquiries showed that there was
much to be learned and also much to be guarded against.  HPB in CAVES &
JUNGLES OF HINDOOSTAN and in her PEOPLE OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS gives some
more data, and she certainly gives vivid illustrations in her NIGHTMARE
TALES.

In addition to Bulwer-Lytton's A STRANGE STORY there is ZANONI.  H.
Rider-Haggard also wrote generally on the same theme in SHE and AEYSHA, and
also in KING SOLOMON'S MINES.  The writers of Science Fiction grind out
dozens of books with the magic/psychic/spiritualistic themes running through
them.  There is a writer that currently has several "best sellers" to his
credit in which he deals with some of the nastier aspects of Kama-Loka and
the vampirish conscienceless Kama-Rupas that inhabit it, and which on
occasion can be made to inhabit a discarded human form again  -- and so on.

I would say that for the uninitiated and the non-powerful in those matters
(and I am one of them, believe me) the danger is so apparent that I would be
foolish indeed to adventure my sanity in a pursuit of some sensation there
in an area where I would have so little control.

Control is to my way of thinking the key to any true advance in wisdom and
living.  The opposite is passivity, and although there are many reports of
fine things seen and exciting adventures, colors, sounds, sensations --
those are, when all is said and done, SENSATIONS.  They do not educate, they
AMUSE.  They are distractions, and as such have very little continuing or
lasting value -- that, is, to me.  Why should I generate a curiosity in that
which is dangerous ?  I watch with amazement a growing trend among many who
live here to do dangerous things.  Why this urge ?  Does not sound very sane
to me.

So, if Theosophy, in all its original and core writings, advocates
abstinence in regard to the astral and spiritualism, I would, as far as my
attitude is concerned, adopt the (to me) prudent policy of avoidance.

I say this clearly, as it is a conclusion that has been reinforced many
times by accounts that I have heard, and certain situations that I have
witnessed, that show me the validity of the theosophical cautions advanced.
Hence I would not advocate any kind of experiment.  I would avoid any
psychism as far as possible, and I would try to control my own emotional
impulses and learn why and how they originate, and which are useful and
which are not.  And you may accuse me of cowardice in this area and I would
agree to the charge.  But I do not have to prove that fire burns or water
wets, and when I find some of my acquaintances undergoing vast changes in
character as a result of dabbling in psychism and "spiritualism,"
"channeling," etc... I think I have enough evidence to keep away from that
kind of experience, although I may read of and study it.

I hope that is a clear expression of my position and condition on this
matter.

Dallas

> Date: Wednesday, August 19, 1998 6:36 PM
> From: "Darren Porter" <dport@ozemail.com.au>
> Subject: Maya is an Adept

>Dallas Wrote :
>>I DO NOT LIKE TO USE PHYSIOLOGICAL OR PSYCHIC PRACTICES, BEING UNCERTAIN
OF
>>MY OWN CONTROL OF THEM, AS WELL AS UNCERTAIN OF THE PROFICIENCY OF AN
>>"OPERATOR" (or "guru").  I have seen and heard of too many serious
>>imparments of mind and body that have occurred after some misguided
>>practices were used.  So I am very cautious.  First I want to understand.
>>Did you ever read Bulwer-Lytton's ZANONI, or his other A STRANGE STORY ?
If
>>you have you will know one of the reasons why I am so cautious.
>
>Dallas, you mentioned Bulwer-Lyttons A STRANGE STORY in another earlier
>post and your apprehension at 'letting go of everything you know'. You also
>seem to fear your own abilities and motivation. What are you attached to,
>If I may ask?
>
>Darren
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