Theos-Talk Archives (October 2001 Message tt00442)

--- In theos-talk@y..., "Jerry S" <gschueler@e...> wrote:
> <<<With a preliminary presentation of Theosophy,
> it may be best to keep things simple. To avoid
> contention, we might stick to the writings of
> Blavatsky and the Mahatma Letters.>>>
> 
> I can't agree with this, Eldon, for anyone, including newbies or
> for those "Standing at the base of the mountain." Blavatsky is too
> difficult reading for most newbies, and will mainly attract
> intellectuals.

I don't mean to add unto the contention by pointing out another 
perspective on this particular issue.

Being a newbie myself, I find going to the original source quite 
useful when the intent is to understand the original line of 
theosophical thought. Other teachers can come along and possibly, 
distort the basic foundations of theosophy or any philosophy for that 
matter. Personally, I would rather exercise my own independence of 
thought by relying on my own original thinking rather than others.

On the other hand, I can see where a competent translator would make 
theosophical concepts easier to swallow but eventually, the 
independent thinker will want to know for himself or herself what 
Theosophy is all about. Despite the intellectual difficulty, it is 
worth it to learn what Blavatsky had to say about Theosophy. One can 
overcome the difficulty by "eating the elephant one bite at a time."

Monica