Theos-Talk Archives (August 1999 Message tt00078)

Aug 28th

Dear Art:

Any one, or any "group" that offers to make recommendation concerning
the study of Theosophy ought to have as a preliminary an idea of what
THEOSOPHY covers.

At least the exercise of trying to frame a preview, a synopsis, a
catalog, a curriculum would seem to me essential.

Next.  Knowledge of the history of the development of the Theosophical
Movement in the past 125 years is most valuable, providing that this
is based on documents and not opinions, as there have been many
writers who voice their private opinions as thought they were facts.

What I am trying to say is that since the days of HPB, who held the
Movement together between the years 1875-1891 there have been
divergences as those who assumed the responsibility for continuing the
movement can be seen (through their writings) to have diverged from
what HPB wrote.  In fact, several have gone so far as to modify her
statements claiming that they knew at least as much as she did (and
the Masters), and could therefore "lead" those that "followed" into a
system that might be simpler to understand.  It is very difficult to
determine who is right in these affairs unless one has as a
preliminary a thorough knowledge of what HPB had to teach.

Perhaps the best way to approach that is through THE KEY TO THEOSOPHY.
It is not lengthy, it provides a good view of the essentials of the
Theosophical views and principles, and there is ample room for
questions and research by each one for themselves.

In several ways Theosophy runs contrary to current views of Religions,
Sciences and Psychology.  If one has this knowledge of what Theosophy
actually teaches, then it is easy to see what the gaps are, and how to
bring about a reconciliation.  In fact, I would say that there is a
continuous attempt to do this -- not to notice and accentuate the
differences, but to draw those things that are similar together more
strongly.

For instance, and to me this is important.  HPB speaks of the ASTRAL
BODY and not the "etheric body."  Why the change of emphasis?  Who
originated that?  What does it do to Theosophy to make a change from
HPB's teaching to something else, even if it be considered to be
"minor ?"

I am not being "picky" but there is a change that becomes obstructive
to understanding when the original terms are abandoned.  Does the
person who made the change claim to know more than HPB and the Masters
who wrote the original texts of Theosophy ?  If so, why?

Best wishes.

Dallas





Dallas
dalval@nwc.net 


-----Original Message-----
From: owner-theos-talk@pippin.imagiware.com
[mailto:owner-theos-talk@pippin.imagiware.com]On Behalf Of The Clan
Sent: Saturday, August 28, 1999 8:45 AM
To: theos-talk@theosophy.com
Subject: Theos-World Meeting Inquirers


I think we share the same overall theosophic goals and principles
Dallas,
... I really do... What bothers me sometimes is that when we meet
inquirers
nowadays who want to know more about theosophy do we simply give them
the
Secret Doctrine to read over night?  Do we have them enter a class
that
reviews the seven races of man or understanding the etheric body?

My suggestion is we find out more about the seeker first... get to
know
them... introduce a few ideas and see if they have similar ones then
proceed from there. Otherwise, most will be totally lost and will be
turned
off. There's something wrong I think in the approach of the official
study
group with its structure and requirements.

I think this discussion is just that... a discussion... no one is
going to
lose anything by sharing ideas even if they come from strange
sources. -
Art


lgregory@discover.net




















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