Theos-Talk Archives (April 1999 Message tt00053)

Dear Arnaldo,

Thank you for sharing your "brotherly" thoughts.

You wrote:
> Unfortunately, or fortunately, I do not agree with that kind
> of statement:
>
> "Theosophy puts a more realistic view of human and spiritual
> evolution and progression than the one you propose."
> (or "This is what Theosophy states.")

If it comes across as negatively as you experience it then it is probably
best to say "fortunately".

I think I can see what you mean about that statement.   But it isn't meant
in a sectarian way.  It is used in the way you would refer to any 'body of
knowledge' in a debate.  For example, "Buddhism puts the view..." or
"Behavioural Psychology states..." etc etc.

> Although I do agree with most of what you wrote, why
> not to say that dearest HPB, or dearest Master KH
> said so, or wrote so and so. Why to make it sectarian?

I'm glad you found much to agree with.  When I say "This is what Theosophy
states", I mean these are the key assertions on a particular issue that we
would find in the writings of HPB and the Mahatmas.  Where ever I can I try
to be more specific about what those assertions are by giving a reference to
the source of those statements, or qouting a passage from that particular
text.  For me, "Theosophy states" is another way of saying "HPB or Master M
or KH state ...."  Quite often I do in fact write "HPB says..." etc.

> Perhaps it is better not to say that Theosophy is a set of
> doctrines. To me Theosophy is Altruism ...

I agree with you that practical Theosophy is Altruism and I confess to
having a long way to go to bring that fully into my daily life.  I also
think Theosophy is a 'body of Knowledge', hence HPB refered to it as The
Wisdom Religion.  Along with Altruism we need Discrimination and Wisdom, in
my view.   When we look back on the life of HPB under the direction of her
Teachers, she and They put an *emormous* amount of effort into getting these
Doctrines across to the World.  This involved presenting 'new' material,
validating ancient 'truths', pointing out the way esoteric doctrines had
been distorted in various spiritual traditions and so on.  HPB vigorously
and forcefully put forward and defended those Doctrines in the face of much
humiliation and slander directed against herself. I think this shows that
HPB, KH and M believed these Doctrines to be vitally important.

> The theosophical movement is supposed to hear and
> to compare the different points of view, without being
> sectarian. Not to offer a new creed.

I heartily agree with you, Arnaldo.  Theosophy as given out by HPB, M and KH
is not a new creed.  They tell us it is the Wisdom Religion that has been
the source of all the genuine spiritual traditions throughout the history of
humanity.  They offer much to help us assertain the truth of this, along
with offering 'knowledge' that will be helpfull to us on our spiritual
journey.

As for different views, all I ask is that we examine these views on their
merits, and in the light of what HPB and the Mahatmas gave out, and not on
the basis of 'attitudes' that we attribute to those who disagree with us.
This is a Theosophy group after all.  When people claim that HPB and the
Masters' Teachings support their personal opinions and add that any
theosophist who doesn't hold that view suffers from "self defeating
attitudes" etc, then this is something that should be questioned, in my
view.

I believe that HPB and her Teachers offered us a fabulous base of knowledge
upon which we could build.  Its a also a yard stick, or 'plumb line' if you
like.  I believe the sincere student will find that knowledge 'living
inside' himself, and not simply on the pages of their written works.

Arnaldo, I notice this is the second time you have raised this point.  So I
will take your thoughts to heart and see what stirs therein.

Best wishes

Peter


-- THEOSOPHY WORLD -- Theosophical Talk -- theos-talk@theosophy.com

Letters to the Editor, and discussion of theosophical ideas and
teachings. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message consisting of
"subscribe" or "unsubscribe" to theos-talk-request@theosophy.com.