Theos-Talk Archives (December 2001 Message tt00383)

December 19, 2001

Re: The Time wasted on distorted and inaccurate history.

Are we here to study Theosophy or not ?

Dear Gerry S

I do not recommend that H P B be deified. Neither did she. Some
who do not think do that and it is to their detriment.

What I do recommend, and so did she, is that those who are
interested in THEOSOPHY study it. Otherwise there is a lot of
desultory and pointless talk that gets no anywhere.

My point is simply: State the facts. Do not speculate. Why
assume that people cannot think ? They do not have to be led.
When needed, give them facts they can verify. Each individual
can be trusted to lead themselves. This is the general purpose
for human existence: to become independently devoted. We all
share in this capacity, but need to be a little surer of facts,
so that our courage will not wilt when opposed.

Next point.

What does H P B's "personality" have to do with the Message, the
philosophy, the ethics of THEOSOPHY ?

The answer to this is simple: If Theosophy is untrue then why
should she have put herself through the life-killing strains that
she did ? Can you imagine 16 years of great strain, continuous
pain in a body that was ill most of the time ?

I ask again of all of us: Have we the knowledge, and the
capacity to write an ISIS UNVEILED or a SECRET DOCTRINE ? If
not, and if we cannot yet answer simple questions on theosophical
fundamentals and tenets (with adequate supporting references to
assist the inquirer), then we have no business criticizing her on
flimsy hearsay. We have no business trying to support our lack
of initiative by lending our ears to gossip mongers and character
destroyers. And it is precisely this that I protest.

One thing is quite clear: those who support gossipers and
character distorters are themselves NOT students of THEOSOPHY,

I say: I they were, then they would refute such accusations and
refuse to let them pass without protest. If they are historians,
and have the documents in front of them, then they know what is
true and what is questionable, and also, what is false. It
becomes their responsibility to make this plain.

We are not here, on this "List," as I understand it, to study the
life of H P B and certainly not the inaccuracies of fact, and the
many unfounded innuendos of some recent contributors. The
sensation caused and the stir made, do not constitute proof or
even discord. they simply demonstrate that those concerned have
not studied all the facts. They are only partially informed. Or
if they are fully informed, then one wonders why they do not
display their knowledge? What is the purpose of this confusion ?
If we resolve to deal in facts, then opinions will vanish.

It is perfectly clear to me that there has been failure to study
IN SEQUENCE the documents that relate to the History of the
THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY -- and there are a number of students that
have a complete set. They do not need to be told -- they KNOW.

They regret that the careless and unsupported innuendos,
slanders, etc that have recently been scattered among us are not
laughed out of countenance by those who have benefited from the
Theosophy that H P B sacrificed her life to bring to us.
Apparently that gift is not yet fully appreciated except by a
few.

So if H P B is slandered, they recognize the frailty of that
also. And PROTEST, as I have, and as others have also.

What are we wasting time on? There are far more valuable things
to consider.


For instance:

This is partially what THEOSOPHY deals with:


Are, or are we not at the core center of our being immortal
SPIRIT/SOULS?

Do we live only one short, limited and relatively fruitless and
purposeless life, or do we reincarnate?

What is the concept of the UNIVERSAL SPIRITUAL BEING ?

What is a Human Monad (SPIRIT-MATTER intertwined)? Where did it
come from?

Where is it going? Is the concept of the "ETERNAL PILGRIM"
novel, real, or foolish ?

Do we have free-will?

What about the influence of family, religion, country, race? How
much power do they have ?

What is "Matter ?" [ All definitions are welcome. providing they
give a CAUSE. ]

How is it (matter) distinguished from "Force," or "Power ?"

What and how are limits set to masses of matter?

How is a human body constructed? Who does the work ? Who
supervises?

Does the immortal SPIRITUAL SOUL of Man reincarnate ?

What is LAW. Is KARMA a fact?

Does NATURE provide the patterns and the layout for all forms and
their development ?

What changes in these patterns can we impose ?

How shall we distinguish between "Good," and "evil ?"

What is the goal of human life?

Is it possible to become perfect in knowledge and wisdom without
being also ethically rect ?

What are the Powers of the Mind?

Is Mind different from "Sentiment" or "Feeling ?"

Who or what in Man rules and directs the Mind and decides as the
CHOOSER ?

Are ethics and morals necessary?

Do they conduce to UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD ?

-------------------------------

There are a few more dozen questions that can be asked. But
surprisingly the answers are based THEOSOPHY says on a few basic
principles. It also provides these for scrutiny and
investigation so that any one can assure themselves of their
relevance.

How many philosophies, religions, sciences are so broad as to
invite destructive criticism ? Theosophy sets it self up for
investigation and invites all comers to do that. Who has the
courage to proceed ? Who wants to now how the Universe works?
How our Earth is built up? What humanity can do? Are there any
humans that have become super-human? Are the "Masters of Wisdom"
facts or fictions ?

No Gerry. No student of Theosophy has ever set up Mme. Blavatsky
as a kind of supernal being or a deity to be revered without
question. She would not want that, it would prove nothing, and
no sane person would accept such a distorted idea of excellence.
She pointed to WISDOM for ALL, and she stated that there are
KNOWERS of this WISDOM living on Earth and among us.

Theosophy is the standard. Now, shall we examine it ? Shall we
see if it is practical? Shall we try to find out if it will help
any one ?

Best wishes,

Dallas

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



-----Original Message-----
From: Gerald Schueler [mailto:gschueler@earthlink.net]
Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2001 1:20 PM
To: theos-talk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Theos-World Re to Paul

<<<Spirituality that is not in conflict with clear awareness of
history and all it reveals about human weakness and delusion.
Paul>>>

I agree with you, Paul. I have enjoyed most of the historical
debates, even though I don't usually care much for history. I
found Brigitte's history of the early TS fascinating. Also, I
have enjoyed both of your books.

The problem seems to be that some Theosophists have already
placed Blavatsky on a divine pedestal and can't accept the fact
that she was human like everybody else. Also, while some
Theosophists preach compassion, they really aren't much different
from book-burning fundamentalist Christians.

Hopefully a dispassionate history debate can continue. And why do
some get so upset over the idea that Blavatsky may have used
drugs? Does this picture knock her off her pedestal? How? I
suspect that we all can agree that she cussed and smoked and
traveled cross-country with men, so her pedestal has to be
somewhat tarnished anyway. This whole business may suggest more
for her followers than for Blavatsky herself.

I think Brigitte may be on to something when she suggests that
male chauvinism may have played a part in her Masters. Why
shouldn't we discuss these kind of possibilities?

Jerry S.

--





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