Theos-Talk Archives (December 1998 Message tt00042)

Leon:
>But, HPB said it was possible for us to "change the minds of the race".  (In
>fact, she told us in no uncertain terms--that was our mandate).  This also
>means, as Socrates has shown, the minds of each individual--and, thereby, aid
>them in substituting fundamental principles for their false beliefs.  All that
>takes is thoughtful and logical presentation of theosophical ideas (sometimes
>using the "Socratic method") that confirms the teachings and allows the
>listener to recognize his/her own contradictions and, thereby, substitute for
>their false "beliefs" the incontrovertible truths of theosophy.

"All that takes" ?? Surely you jest.  Whether the "method" is Socratic or
not is very minor, even irrelevant to my mind. What is important is a
spiritual presence behind the presentation and a spiritual alertness or
readiness in the student.

[...]

>Yes. . . As I said previously--presented *properly* as--(if we insist on
>following the "Buddhist" ways)--the argumentative Gelugpa "Geshe" debators
>way, rather that than resting on the "authority" of HPB, W.Q.J., or their
>"Gelugpa" teachers. . . (And, NOT as the "Red Cap" Tantrist's tamasic way of
>following the self-serving "gospels" of their blindly believed "authorities")

Debate in Tibetan (Geluk or otherwise) is not argument.  It is designed
to sharpen the faculties of thought, not "win" or change minds.
[...]

>So, now, don't you think we should drop all these "side issues" of exoteric
>priest-crafty "Buddhist" talk and teachings, and get back to discussing the
>fundamental truths of theosophy and the methods of practicing the "three
>objects of the theosophical movement"?

I've heard of the three objects of the Theosophical Society.  Could you
provide a quote from HPB or WQJ saying they apply to the much larger
theosophical movement?


--
<> Nicholas Weeks <> am455@lafn.org <> Los Angeles
  When the energy of life is released, may I behold clearly Amitabha
  Buddha, surrounded by his hosts of Bodhisattvas.  May my being be filled
  with faith and compassion!     Je Tsong khapa