Theos-Talk Archives (June 2001 Message tt00036)

Saturday, June 09, 2001


Dear Friend:

Re discussion on the metaphysics of Buddhism and Theosophy


None of us are, as I see it, at daggers drawn!

As students of ancient religions, of Buddhism and of Theosophy,
we are all seeking for the links that bind wisdom together. We
try to discover if there is a singular basis (as Theosophy
claims) for our various positions. It was the same in H.P.B.'s
days when Subba Row, and others argued from the Vedanta, or the
Kabalistic, or the Gnostic point of view. A review of H.P.B.'s
articles and of the S.D. reveals that while opinions differed,
all were agreed on using the best understanding (not necessarily
the literal texts and translations) they could muster. Records
show that H.P.B. could provide information that reconciled
divergent views with the wisdom inherent in Theosophical records.
She made the claim on behalf of the Great Lodge that WISDOM IS
ANTIQUE and IS ONE. Further that all religions sprang from it as
from a single source. And her writings demonstrate this with
great and compelling accuracy.

It is true that opinions shift and differ, but no one is accusing
another of insincerity.

At least that is my opinion.

I think, reviewing the course of the exchanges several things
have emerged:

1.	We do not all trust the accuracy of translators since personal
interpretations may cause them to deviate from the original
intent of the original writers.

2.	To secure a more accurate view of the original meaning we have
to go behind the words and phrases to the underlying ideas, and
look for agreement, if not unanimity, there.

3.	Clarity of expression, question and response, is no more than
ascertaining the exact meaning of the opinions or the facts
conveyed. We all have definite opinions arising from our study.
But none of us can maintain that their opinion is the only one
that is accurate. At best we serve to relay the vision and
meaning (as we understand it) of an originator, (or a reformer)
to those now discussing the intent of those older teachings as
left to us, even if they have passed trough many modifying or
even disfiguring hands.

4.	Such investigation is not designed to be "personal" in any way
if the true spirit of investigation is maintained and sustained.

5.	As Truth-seekers, we all try to understand each other and
ascertain the value of the basis from which we derive our views
or principles. So we call each other to task when clarity seems
to be missing in an exposition. We can all benefit from this
process.

One thing it has done is to make us review the basis we have so
far adopted to see if it is in reality valid in another's eyes.

Best wishes,

Dallas.





-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Meredith [mailto:bilmer@surfsouth.com]
Sent: Saturday, June 09, 2001 5:27 AM
To: Theosophy Study List
Subject: Re: Jerry is ready to abandon ship


Hi Daniel. I think your alteration of Jerry's subject line from
'individuality' to 'Jerry is ready to abandon ship' speaks to the
motives
behind your posts. As I see it, having followed the discussions
closely,
you, Peter, Dallas, Phil & others seem to take PERSONAL issue
with Jerry's
implication that YOUR theosophy is shoreline. Get over it. Then
you will
see. Jerry is not ready to abandon ship. He is attempting to
withdraw from
a particular discussion before the posts deteriorate to PERSONAL
insults
and diatribes. That you, Peter, & Phil are not ready, willing,
and able to
allow another to withdraw in peace further indicates
the underlying motives for your actions. Instead you circle like
hungry
sharks in shallow water.
regards,
Bill


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