Theos-Talk Archives (July 2000 Message tt00004)

Response to ML's msg posted at 02:50 PM 07/04/2000 -0400.

ML:

It always amazes me how incredibly strong an emphasis is put on the
practice of vegetarianism by TS members (and other followers of diverse
spiritual paths), compared to the LACK of emphasis on other, equally or
more injurious behaviors.  When someone "does harm" (mental and by
extension physical) to others within a lodge by gossiping, spreading
rumour, verbal aggression, or stirring up unnecessary conflict,
hostility and dissention (usually for political ends), actions which
are, IMO, EXTREMELY common in the TS - these behaviors are somehow
glossed over and accepted as unfortunate but surely not unexpected (tsk,
tsk - well, we are not Masters after all...)

MKR responds:

This is a very old problem. In 1920s, Krishnaji stated that Adyar is a very
gossipy place. So the tradition continues, I suppose.

ML;
>But instead mark the level of condescension and contempt shown and felt
when the hapless member timidly ventures to remark that he does indeed
eat meat!!!  Needless to say,  this (often unspoken) censure comes in
equal measure from those who commonly commit the spiritual "crimes"
mentioned above...as if they somehow think these are merely misdemeanors
next to the one celebrated spiritual felony! 
>

MKR responds:

I have seen instances where people who are accused of dishonesty with money
(though not proven in a court of law -- a situation somewhat like OJ
Simpson being acquitted in the criminal trial) kept on a pedestal just
because they belonged to the right groups and practicing vegetarians. 
Nothing wrong with theosophy or TS; just it shows the human frailties and
wrong priorities.

ML:

Such vigorous disapproval often comes from those whose personal
experience included such "spiritual peer pressure", which may have
prematurely pushed them into leaping into a discipline for which they
were not yet ready. Ironically, when this happens, the spiritual balance
sheet frequently comes up short, as pride, arrogance and anger,
previously absent, begin to taint the soul. 

To become an ethical vegetarian, one does not begin by precipitously
giving up meat, but by the practice of compassion and the opening of the
heart.  When this FAR more difficult object is achieved, the time will
naturally come when one is disgusted with the idea of eating flesh,
which is the proper signal of the soul's evolution into readiness for
the discipline of vegetarianism, and no spiritual trade-offs need
result.

MKR:

Vegetarianism being low on the priority list in early days of TS when it
was launched was clearly described in Mahatma Letters. While there were 10s
of 1000s of people who were vegetarians, non tobacco users, tee totalers,
and led a traditionally "pure" lives, they chose HPB and Olcott and others
who based on currently espoused standards are unfit for any spiritual work
or progress. The reason was simple. All the "pure" people were on a path of
error and wrong beliefs. Have we now fallen into the same trap? Something
to discuss.

ramadoss

PS: Some of the items are of a very sensitive nature and I will be
surprised if there is much response.

 








-- 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.