Theos-Talk Archives (December 1998 Message tt00151)

Dear Jerry:

Theosophy gives plenty of guidance on applied Theosophy - see
"Practical Section" in the KEY TO THEOSOPHY.  Also plenty of
advice in many of HPB and WQJ articles.  LETTERS THAT HAVE HELPED
ME is full of it.  GITA, VOICE, DHAMMAPADA, LIGHT ON THE PATH is
full of advice.

Our main problem as I see it, is that we want Theosophy to
provide us with written rules of order and performance.  But Life
is not like that.  Life demands that we learn, become wiser and
make choices.  We will not advance individually if we do not do
that.  Both the Buddha and Christ ( and HPB) said that.

Self-induced ways and means are the only method.

Our ability to link metaphysics and idealism to altruism and the
practice of brotherhood and benevolence INDIVIDUALLY is the way
that Theosophy advocates.  If we are at all convinced that
Theosophy offers sane and wise advice, then we have to decide to
use it.

Theosophy offers the "theorem" and we have to do the many
"problems" derived from a correct understanding of that "theory,
doctrine, or axiom."  But, first and most important we have to
make sure in our own minds that we believe what is offered is
correct.  If it is incorrect, and if we have unresolved doubts
and "hold-backs," even our practice will be partial, and
therefore  faulty and fail.  But why shift the blame to an
unproven system if we are the ones who will not make adequate
effort to understand and secure the necessary logic that lads to
individual conviction ?  If you or I wanted to cross a rushing
torrent in the mountains, what would we do?
Fell a long tree over it ?  Find a long rope that we can anchor
securely on the other shore, look for a ford ?  Our solutions
come from the effort to understand and plan how to overcome
obstacles, don't they?  Same in philosophy and same in supplying
the "principles" and the "applications" that Theosophy
recommends.  Maybe some do not need or want to cross the river -
that too is an alternative.  Each to their own desire and need.

It is like ceremonial magic - rites, rituals, words, chants, the
arrangement of designs and light (all on a PLANE SURFACE) - when
we are dealing with the VOLUME OF SPACE.  And every bit of those
preparations demand learning effort and the WILL to achieve.
Same in Theosophy or any other philosophy - which does not offer
the sedatives of a "Believe it or else-" religious attitude-AIMED
AT KEEPING ADHERENTS IGNORANT AND FEARFUL.  All thee show that
people have not grasped the idea that they have to devise their
own progress.  No formulas will enable them brainlessly and
thoughtlessly to progress.

So why blame Theosophy for one's own laziness or lack of
perception ?

I do not address this to you only, but to all who think that
Theosophy is a series of formulas and words that one can parrot,
and hope the echoes will be favorable.

Best wishes,

Dal

> From: Jerry Schueler
> Sent:	Thursday, December 10, 1998 5:51 AM
> Subject: Helping without Wisdom to Know How LARGE SNIP

No, it backfires out of ignorance of the situation. You don't
have to
agree with me on this, but the Bodhisattva schools through the
East
all have taught the necessity of gaining compassion first (this
drives
the train) then insight and wisdom second in order to help
others.
They do not rush out to help others in ignorance and hope to gain
wisdom in a next life although if someone asks for help obviously
they would do so to the best extent that they can. Theosophy
emphasizes compassion and helping others but gives little
guidance on how to get the insight and wisdom necessary to
help others properly. This is a rather strong criticism, and if
others
have reasons for thinking differently I would like to hear them,
but
just giving me quotes from HPB doesn't change my criticism on
this point.

Jerry S.