Theos-Talk Archives (September 1999 Message tt00051)

Hello Peter,

Let me preface these remarks Peter, by saying that I am posing them as an
argument or course of thought, with the intention of approaching a new
direction for the TS than it has hitherto gone as a way of looking at new
solutions

The Freedom of Thought clause put forward by the Resolution of the General
Council is fairly clear that "No teacher or writer from HPB onwards has any
authority to impose their teachings or opinion on members. All members have
an equal right to follow any school of thought..." Correct me if I've
misread your words but do you not support  imposing the writings of HPB is
a necessary curricula for all theosophists or at least most of them in
study groups or centers...

I think the writings of HPB have certainly been around enough in the past
century... they are available on the internet,,, in print, so there has
been plenty of exposure to them at least among the relatively small numbers
of theosophists left on the planet. My suggestion is we open ourselves and
study groups to more free choice in the material they wish to study.

Maybe Peter, I'm incorrect in this but I don't see lots of seeking souls
clammering for the printed works of HPB or the Mahatma Letters. If the
majority of theosophists wish to study continually her writings they are of
course free to do so, but the cost will likely be a continued decline in
the TS... at least that's my own limited view.

Further in the freedom of thought section are the words: "...as members of
all religions have become members of it (TS) ...it is thought desirable to
emphasize the fact that there is no doctrine, no opinion, by whomsoever
taught or held, that is in any way binding on any member of the Society,
none which any member is not free to accept or reject..." (The three
Objects are the sole condition of membership). If we are indeed to be open
to these words, then opening the scope of theosophy to the wider range of
options available is to me a preferred course...

One point that I would like to add for your consideration.... and that is
the very motto of the Theosophical Society itself: "There is no religion
higher than truth."

Is it indeed truth that we uphold when we hold to the existence of these
Masters?

As to science in modern terms, instead of reconciling it to Theosophical
writings of HPB, simply acknowledge the latest findings and move on...

- Arthur Gregory


lgregory@discover.net




















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