Theos-Talk Archives (September 1998 Message tt00209)

Ana:

>I am writing from Barcelona and first of all I would just
>like to say hello to everybody in the list.

Welcome to the list.

>I confess I felt a bit frustrated after a few days as the
>tone, to me, seemed too centered on what Eldon mentions
>in his paragraph.

Over a period of several months you will see that the topics
vary quite a lot. A single stray remark can fuel an intense
debate that lasts a week or two, like when I mentioned last
week that I preferred Boris' edition of THE SECRET DOCTRINE,
and gave the reasons why I liked it.

>Being myself more of the "practical" line, to call it some
>way, as Theosophy interests me mostly as something to practice
>in daily life rather than as a matter of study, (notwithstanding
>the importance of the study) I was just waiting for a while
>before making the decision to continue on the list or to drop
>off.

Perhaps you might want to share how you became interested
in Theosophy, what is going on in your part of the world,
which we don't hear much about, and some examples of how
you find practical ways to manifest the spiritual?

>Darren's message, although "tinted by some anger" made me
>think  ... I am mainly interested in knowing myself and that
>is, to me, a lifelong endeavor.

That's the primary purpose of the theosophical books, to
help people think and explore the wisdom tradition, so I
tend to be in favor of experimenting with, and preparing
and presenting the theosophical materials in new and
different ways. It's good to try different things and see
what works with helping people awaken to their inner path.

>I have to confess, too, that my main interest is not,
>either, the propagation of the fundamental doctrines of
>Theosophy. I don't think there is much point in convincing
>anybody who does not show the least interest in such themes.

We're all exploring the esoteric knowledge, then trying to
find unique, personal ways of sharing what we've found.
Some may be more interested in publishing, editing, and
sharing through the printed word. Others might like to give
lectures, workshops, or classes. Still others may find
expression in art, poetry, music, playing with and watching
little children, etc.

The current discussion on books and editing and publishing
the theosophical literature is a single thread about a
single way of sharing Theosophy. There are thousands upon
thousands of ways of searching for further light, and of
sharing that light. The theosophical groups offer a way to
learn, study, and explore, but don't provide a religion or
formula to follow, no creed, no sacraments, no rules
regarding how to live one's life. We're left on our own
to formulate a lifestyle, and to find a creative outlet
for our inner experiences.

>But I am very willing to talk about my Theosophical approach
>when or if they ask me about it. And I am more than pleased
>if their motivation is generated by some kind of acting
>from my part.

Consider this as someone asking you about your
theosophical approach. How do you do it? By sharing
your approach, you'll encourage others to share theirs,
and we'll all learn from each other.

>To me, practising Theosophy is more difficult than studying it.

My view is that the two cannot be separated. You have to have
an inner life, one that includes inspiration, lofty insights,
grand sentiments, a mystical connection to something greater,
and also have an outer outlet to that life, some activities
in which you can express in the world and give tangible form
to the inner life. The inner life, denied outlet in the world,
will die. The outer life, without an inner inspiration, becomes
deadened, habitual, routine, heartless, thoughtless, and
mundane. Both inner searching and exploration and outer
expression and sharing are needed for us to grow and to
become lights in the world.

>Excuse me for the length of the message and greetings from a
>silent (for the moment) and interested reader of your list.

You've been fairly modest in the length of your posting.
Thanks for joining the discussions.

-- Eldon