Theos-Talk Archives (September 1999 Message tt00042)

In a message dated 9/4/99 2:14:32 PM, dalval@nwc.net writes:

<< But what I also meant was the Theosophy offers us some keys so that we
can do a good part of the work ourselves, once that we pass the
childhood and the young adult levels -- we all gradually assume the
education process consciously and deliberately steering ourselves and
selecting our areas of work.  >>

No argument here.  But what I meant to suggest (and perhaps it was *I* who 
was not clear) is that I am not aware of ANY Theosophist who is beyond the 
"childhood and young adult stage" of spiritual growth.  (Perhaps I am deeply 
misinformed?)  We are NOT READY to guide ourselves completely alone, and no 
chela is, let alone a probationary candidate.  (HPB assures us that less than 
1 in 1,000 could make the grade on their own, without being swept up into 
Black Magic.)  

This is not meant to be an attack on any one, and I include myself in the 
lowest grade of aspirants.  But if what I write is true, then Theosophists 
guiding other Theosophists are literally the blind leading the blind (again, 
no disrespect intended).   I do not doubt the value of our fellowship, nor 
our altruistic intentions (well, I rarely have reason to doubt them ...) but 
I challenge the long-term value of our mutual guidance.  I have watched very 
small children try to correct each other's speech and etiquette, and it's not 
pretty.  Luckily, such is NOT the only option open to us.

Dallas continues:

<<As to HPB and the Masters presence.  I believe it is clear from all
they wrote that they do not die. And (as influences) the are very much
present around us all the time.  Our interest in studying and
practicing Theosophy serves to attract their notice. If we develop, in
addition, the  desire to help our fellows because we can see the value
of brotherhood, we would again deepen their interest in us. >>

Again, I do not challenge the truthfulness of these words.  But I wish to 
tell a "joke" that I heard while in Divinity School which I think is quite 
suggestive here.

It seems there was a very religious man who, along with his entire community, 
was facing a terrible rain storm which produced a disastrous flood.  The 
local authorities were rounding people up to take them to high and dry 
shelters, and during the afternoon one of the police pulled up to this 
fellow's house and said "Hand me your bags and get in -- we need to get out 
of here before the water really begins to rise."

And the religious fellow said "Go ahead and help my neighbors next door, they 
need you more.  I have faith in the Lord and he will save me."  So the 
policeman drove on.

Later in the afternoon the waters had risen severely.  The religious man was 
now on the balcony of his second flood when a deputy arrived in a motorboat.  
The deputy said "Hop in quick -- there's a lot more water on the way and this 
whole area is going to be underwater in a few hours!"

But the religious man said "I'm fine, I have faith in the Lord and he will 
save me.  Please go help Miss Margaret down the block!"  So the motorboat 
roared on.

As the light was fading, the waters had now risen so high that the religious 
man was on his roof.  The sheriff arrived in a helicopter and said "Get in 
now!  The waters are about to wash everything away!"

But the religious man said, "Oh no, I think there must be other people on 
their roofs and they need you more.  I have faith in the Lord and He will 
save me."

Well, half an hour later the man drowned.  

He appeared in spirit before St. Peter's pearly gates, and he was quite 
angry.  The religious man said to St. Peter, "I have been one of the Lord's 
most faithful servants my ENTIRE life, and I have always tried to help others 
before me.  How could God let this happen to me?!?"

And St. Peter said, "Listen, guy -- the Lord sent a truck, a motorboat and a 
helicopter.  What more do you want?"

The point of the story is that, wherever HPB and her Masters may be now, in 
body or out of it, no true Theosophist doubts Their presence and supervision. 
 But here before us in America, Great Britain and elsewhere we have the 
foremost Lamas of Tibet -- giving out the VERY SAME teachings HPB did (and 
more!!) using often the very same vocabulary and referring to the very same 
texts.  Their LIVING PRESENCE is an incredible gift, and probably a very rare 
one -- it did not exist 20 years ago.  Speaking from personal experience, 
many of these lamas and monks are the very embodiment of humility, compassion 
and wisdom.  

Can you imagine what words HPB would use to ridicule us if, rather than 
sitting at the feet of these very great LIVING teachers, we keep our noses in 
our books and disdained to "abandon" our original teachers?

I think she would have far stronger names than "flapdoodle" for us fools!!  

The Dalai Lama is giving teachings in Los Angeles next month.  The greatest 
known authority on Dzogchen, Chogyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, is giving a 
retreat in Tahoe this month.  I highly recommend both to this list's readers, 
and I would be interested to hear what other teachings are going on around 
us.  HPB did not scorn to make alliances with all forces which could help our 
movement, and I urge all of us to do the same.

I feel like Cassandra wailing on the walls of Troy, because I know almost no 
one will heed my words.  But then again, "let those who have ears, hear" (to 
quote another LIVING presence).

Rich

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