Theos-Talk Archives (December 2001 Message tt00064)

December 5, 2001

Dear Friend:

The WAY and the PATH are pointed to in the VOICE OF THE SILENCE -- that is
the way in which Theosophy lads to practice. But in reading at the VOICE OF
THE SILENCE we find it is quite mystical. It combines both the teachings of
the BHAGAVAD GITA (Krishna), AND THOSE OF THE Buddha, as found in the
DHAMMAPADA.

But an acquaintance with the word use in such old books and teachings has to
be acquired, or, if already ours, it has to be tuned to the meanings that
are used in Theosophy. But first there has to be a study of the Metaphysics
and theory -- otherwise what is there to be DONE ? What procedures are we
to follow? Why have we erected a series of questions?

Let us then go to PATANJALI’S YOGA APHORISMS where the question of study and
practice of MEDITATION is discoursed on. Once we are there we find that the
word “soul” is used without too much definition. Patanjali expects us to be
familiar with the difference between the Higher and the Lower “soul.”
Theosophy distinguishes on ethical grounds between the HIGHER MANAS and the
Lower Manas. It is the difference between universality in outlook and
practice, and intense selfish isolation. It makes for the opposition of
virtue vs. vice.

It holds that the only way to true wisdom is through virtue. And that is
the exact opposite to our teaching in the ordinary educational system we
have all been through and, the practice of business and daily life in our
world today.

Another book that provides long pages on practice and objectives is the KEY
TO THEOSOPHY (HPB). The “practice” is preceded by theoretical discussion
and teachings. This can be seen by looking down the List of CONTENTS.

Let me see if I can gather a few ideas and put them in the form of questions
for consideration:


1. What does Theosophy consist of? Theory, metaphysics, practice?

2. Is there a moral backing for Theosophical theory and metaphysics
?

3. How do we approach using it? Do we agree with it ?

4. How do we ascertain that its claims are reasonable ?

5. Is its psychology applicable to us -- to understanding how the
REAL INDIVIDUAL is an immortal engaged in a long process of study ?

6. What does NATURE (our surroundings and interactive base)
provide?

7. How do we deal with others? Humans, sub-humans, super-humans ?
What makes for the difference between an atom of helium, a molecule of coal,
a beetle, a dog, a savage, a citified man and a Buddha ? Is there a common
thread?

8. Is Theosophy a method of self-development? Do we become more
“powerful? If so, how, and for what reason ? What in us can be made to
“grow ?” Who does it? Who is in control ?

9. Are we curious or sincere? If sincere, what do we expect to make
of any powers we acquire ?

10. If we become “wise,” then what do we do with our wisdom?

and so on

It is said that the whole evolutionary process began back in the night of
time by the ONE SPIRIT desiring TO KNOW ITSELF. [ S D II 176 ] We humans
with independent minds are about half way to assisting in this enormous
effort.

As you realize, the Theosophical view of the process is a three pronged one:
SPIRIT involves itself in Matter (which is at the opposite “pole.” In
between is the MIND which is impartial and uninvolved yet, can look at both
the spiritual and the material aspects. We can well ask who is the master
in this conglomerate. Te answer is also that SPIRIT or PERCEPTION and
CONSCIOUSNESS ( to see along with) rules. the Mind is its tool, even though
it is independent. And matter provides a reflecting surface on which spirit
can perceive itself (to answer the first DESIRE: “Let me know myself.”)
Very intricate.

See if this helps and if not, then ask more specifically,

best wishes,

Dallas

=======================






-----Original Message-----
From: GriggsMark@aol.com [mailto:GriggsMark@aol.com]
Sent: Sunday, December 02, 2001 7:02 AM
To: study@blavatsky.net
Subject: [bn-study] RE: List WHERE IS PRACTICAL THEOSOPHY TO BE FOUND ?

In a message dated 12/2/01 6:36:04 AM Eastern Standard Time,
dalval14@earthlink.net writes:

Dallas Wrote:


Friday, November 30, 2001

Re: CAN THEOSOPHY TEACH US TO BECOME GOOD OR SPIRITUAL ?


Dear Friends:

Without disagreeing with what Peter wrote, let me add that the
practical side of Theosophy is always in the hands of the
individual. As to my knowledge, there is no available or secure
compilation of methods whereby one can secure "enlightenment" by
following rites, rituals, formulas, ceremonies, etc...


Dear Dallas and Friends:

Surely there is a "Way" and "Path" a practical system of instruction buried
somewhere in the T. S.? To be "balanced" Theosophy can't be just all Theory
is it?

As much as I see (which is NOT much) most all of the Theosophical
writings to include H.P. and the "masters of wisdom", one would get the
impression that the "Secret Doctrines" and "Secret Scrolls /Teachings or
Book(s)" that is supposed to be maintained and guarded in some Ashram or
Temple somewhere in India or Tibet by a "select group" which was brought
with them when they came to the "Fertile Crest" by some of the Aryan Magi or
Teachers, would surly have rites, rituals, formulas and ceremonies for
obtaining enlightenment and dealing with the "balancing" of negative Karma
with the goal of NOT having to continually reincarnate back to earth (or
somewhere else), during our present lifetime?

Are we to say then that we are "Predestined" with no "Freewill" and are
stuck on the spinning "Wheel" of reincarnation permanently working out our
Karma until the conclusion of the 7th root race? And at the conclusion of
"The Great Day" during the end period of the 7th root race...what then?
Total destruction of all that didn't make it?-- (thrown into some eternal
burrning lake of fire)

As much as the T. S. uses the writings from the Eastern esoteric schools of
wisdom to explain much about life and society I would think that as a
minimum it would advocate the Rig-Veda, Sama-Veda, Yajur-Veda, Athara-Veda
as a "minimum" way to obtain enlightenment? After all--Is this not the
system the Masters of Wisdom passed along to H. P. V. ? -- The Aryan
"Religion"

And what of the Great Masters and Teachers (East and West) that have
demonstrated and showed a way that we can "Ascend" back into the Spiritual
Realm of the One? Should we just ignore the teachings of the Buddha's' ,
the Christ's' and all the Avatars?

Theosophy and it's teachings have been around much longer than the Aryans
and it's Maters, Adepts, Priests and Priestesses!

Best Regards,
M. G. ---
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