Theos-Talk Archives (September 1999 Message tt00086)

This discussion of the relative value of study vs meditation, Higher
Self Guru vs external Guru, theosophy vs occultism is very valuable,
very old and very profound.  I am happy to see Rich laying the lash
upon we lazy ones.  Help, guidance, & inspiration can come from
"outside" -- if we apply all advice & criticism to ourselves first and
not be defensive.  However, if we do think the criticism over mildly
and honestly and are reasonably sure it will not help or does not
apply now, then we are free to ignore it.  Surely everyone can agree
that we do not Try hard enough -- whether to be Theosophists or
Occultists.  But where to apply the extra effort will be our decision
and our karma.

It is true though that HPB wrote her most Occult work, The Voice of
the Silence for "the Few".   My reading of the purpose of the TS was
that it was not designed to produce disciples, adepts or
bodhisattvas -- just kinder, more active, altruistic, more
open-hearted and wiser people.  The fact that the leaders were Adepts,
disciples & bodhisattvas did naturally make that far more difficult
ideal attractive -- and many TS folk chose that path.

Whether we choose to follow (and how closely & seriously to follow)
our Higher Self as Guru or a living Guru, presents possible dangers &
blessings in equal measure.  Can we be certain our inner advice &
counsel is really coming from our best nature or something posing as
such?  Can the living Guru really be trusted with our spiritual
future?  These doubts are so common as to be almost universal.

All I can say, from my experience, is that removing doubts concerning
spiritual guidance, whether inner or outer, is best done with  much
energetic, regular, deep meditation & pondering.  Just hashing it
around in the mind and thinking of the possibilities & options &
weighing their relative values & outcomes will not work.  This
meditation (not thinking) can be based on what is read or heard, but
if we ONLY read and/or hear this is not effective and will produce
only more doubts.

Best,

Nicholas

Nicholas Weeks <> nick.weeks@.att.net <> Los Angeles
"The only refuge for him who aspires to true perfection is Buddha
alone."


-- 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.