Theos-Talk Archives (September 1998 Message tt00213)

Beautifully put.

Best,
Paul.

> Sept 8th 1998
>
> Dallas asks::
>
> Why would one desire to alter the Secret Doctrine ?  Is there a
> secret desire to prove that in some respect the alterer is
> superior to HPB or to the Masters ?

> HPB showed herself a true teacher when she wrote::  Do not follow
> me or my path;  follow the Path I show, the Masters who are
> behind."
>
> We can see the wisdom in this advice when we consider the course
> of history - of those who judged the "teaching" by what they
> could see of the "teacher."  They judged her by their standards.
> Not by her adhesion to the Theosophy she taught.
>
> W. q. Judge had the same judgment passed on him, historically
> because he upheld HPB first, last, and all the time.  Why is that
> so ?  Is it not because there were those who were fearful of
> "authority ?"  So fearful that they tried to convey the
> impression that they knew better than she, and could "explain her
> away."
>
> The results of this are plain today a 100 years later, as many
> who claim to be "Theosophists," or "students of theosophy," have
> scanty concepts as to what Theosophy (as a body of knowledge)
> says or teaches.
>
> That it offers the freedom from creedal restraints and is
> eclectic, everyone applauds.  That its societies and other
> student-bodies offer forums for mutual study and debate is
> recognized as a plus.  But  THEOSOPHY ?
>
> How many know it chapter and verse  so as to be able to explain
> it to new-comers as well as to themselves.  Why is it that
> Theosophical doctrines cover: --
>
> 1. the 3 Fundamentals (Universality, Law, Evolution and
> perfection for all),
>
> 2. the 7 Principles (Spirit, Wisdom, Mind, Emotions, Life, Model
> body, physical Body),
>
> 3. the 3-fold Evolutionary scheme (Spirit, Mind, Form) -
>
> 4. the Immortality of the MONAD, and its interminable gyrations
> through evolution from High to low and from low to high -
>
> 5. the development of CONSCIOUSNESS and Intelligence,
>
> 6. Reincarnation, Karma, Causality, Responsibility,
>
> 7. and Potential PERFECTION for all.
>
> Some of HPB's critics looked actively for "mistakes." - and found
> some minor ones - as to whether they were hers or those of
> proof-readers is not known.
>
> In any case those critics made claims overt or subtle to an
> "authority" which she never claimed
>
> They endeavored to minimize the only SOURCE on which reliance
> could be placed, while those who were truly wise invariably
> pointed to her as the Teacher to whom all alike should look.
> This was Mr. Judge's attitude then and others, who have followed
> that have found, and will find, where she pointed.  Both can be
> considered as true collaborators.
>
> What is our present work ?  Are we not striving to learn what
> Theosophy can teach ?  Are we not looking to be united in that
> understanding ?  If we try to assimilate the teachings of
> Theosophy we will soon find that proofs are everywhere.  Then,
> differences of opinion are seen for what they are and gradually
> vanish.
>
> This is not to say that some new creed should arise, or that any
> dogmatism should flourish.  But if a goodly number of us find
> that Theosophy is accurate, should we not speak of it as such and
> encourage each other to review individual findings and assure
> ourselves of that universality and exactitude ?  The Path is open
> to all, but each has to tread it by his own will and self-choice.
>
> Those who can read have the opportunity to look at all the
> several editions that have been published, and decide for
> themselves which will be the most valuable and trustworthy.  The
> "Kali-Yuga" moves swiftly and in 125 years we have seen unroll
> many of the conditions and trials that it took Christianity over
> a thousand years to witness unrolling.
>
> A wise man once wrote:  " The path of true Occultism and that of
> immorality do not coincide.  The Masters do not judge anyone, nor
> can They "forgive"  anyone for sins of omission and commission.
> Masters have to use such material as exists.  If anyone has
> lapses, so much the worse for him and for the work.  It should
> also be remembered that so long as one is willing to stay in the
> world for the work, he can.  Each stays, or goes out in
> accordance with the own desire.  The door is never shut on him by
> the Law..."
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Dallas
>