Theos-Talk Archives (April 1999 Message tt00134)

Dear Peter,

There is no reason why to put my word -- brotherly --
like "brotherly". Just because we may not agree in
some intelectual points, it does not mean, at all,
that the opinion was not offered in a brotherly way.
I am pointing this issue just because to our movement
brotherhood in practice is central. All the rest comes
in a second place.

As to our intelectual differences, we just do not
agree as  to the way we understand the meaning of
the word Theosophy. And I do not experience it
negatively, all on the contrary, for the way I
understand it (as real Altruism) puts Theosophy in a
far more elevated, or higher concept than Theosophy
as a doctrine, or a set of teachings etc.

But I do agree with you that "... she and They put an
*enormous* amount of effort into getting these
Doctrines across to the World." As I had previously
explained, I just do not see as a wise attitude to call
these doctrines as Theosophy, that is all. And I only
insist on that point because I am convinced that it
is not free from sectarianinsm, or to put it in another
way, that it is not good for the attainment of the
Object of the theosophical movement, i.e., the
elevation of the condition of MAN.

As we can read in The Key to Theosophy, the TS
is a philantropic and scientifical organization for
the dissemination of the idea of brotherhood in
PRACTICAL and not in theorectical terms. (I am
not quoting it verbatin, but if you want I can do so.
Now I am mentaly translating it from the Portuguese
back to the English, which was the original!)

I thank you for your answer, and in spite of our intelectual
differences, I send you my Best wishes, and I greet
you as a brother.

Arnaldo.

-----Mensagem original-----
De: Peter Merriott <caduceus@dial.pipex.com>
Para: theos-talk@theosophy.com <theos-talk@theosophy.com>
Data: Terça-feira, 6 de Abril de 1999 00:22
Assunto: Theos-World Response to Arnaldo


>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
>



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