Theos-Talk Archives (August 2001 Message tt00056)

sherab@telocity.com wrote:

"With that in mind, then why is there all this bickering, argument,
and discord in this forum? If anything I would expect that the
dialogue here would be about what IS in accord between the various
theosophical branch views. And if there are issues of discord then
they should be agreeably enumerated and there should be a full and
open face debate in assembly with the expectation that the losing
party adopt the view of the victor. Is this not the way a living
tradition works?"

---

There are several points I wish to mention. Traditionally before the advent
of Internet, there was no communication between various denomination of
theosophy. Even now this is the case with most of dyed in the wool
organizational followers. After the advent of Internet, at least many of the
ordinary students of theosophy are freely discussing matters, which at
sometimes may be seen as discord.

All the written material is simply a description of the reality which cannot
be explained or put down in so many words. When we have first hand knowledge
of the reality, then there would be no discord or disagreement.

Vigorous interest in theosophy is to be welcomed. We do not want "a
slumbering army of churchgoers" (as HPB put it) belonging to one set of
beliefs or the other but dedicated students whose main aim is to search for
truth and not to look for being politically correct within one organization
or the other for whatever reason - position, power, favors, spiritual
advancement - either in this life or hopefully in a future life.

The membership on these maillists is still minuscule; those who post most
message are just a handful. If only many of those silent participants take
time to post questions or opinions, it is likely to generate enthusiasm and
vigorous exchange of ideas.

My .02

mkr