Theos-Talk Archives (January 2002 Message tt00129)

Tuesday, January 08, 2002


Re: How should we view "morals and ethics?"

Dear Jerry:

Well, with Brotherhood being the first object of the THEOSOPHICAL
MOVEMENT, I guess the moral / ethical aspect of anything rests on
that, and in turn that basis (brotherhood) stems from the
SPIRITUAL UNITY of all things. I do not agree that ethical or
moral behaviour rests solely on a religious, or other "label."

To behave as "brother immortals" would also be my idea of "moral
behaviour".

I've never placed much value in what people "call" themselves.
It is what they ARE that matters. So why not select honesty and
sincerity as the best actual and practical basis for living? And
are those not individual "expressions of a sound moral stance"
anywhere?

I've traveled around the world for the better part of my life and
have always found that good-will, friendliness and honest
behaviour are acceptable everywhere -- in the wild deserted
mountains of the Caucasus or the Himalayas, or the forests of
Cambodia and Java, as on the crowded streets of London, Bombay,
Hong Kong, Tokyo or New York. Karma has the property of showing
up everywhere, and I'd prefer it to be friendly if possible.

It also ties in with the idea we are immortals; and periodically,
as the eras flow by, we all reincarnate in various parts of the
world's races, and religions. So the present "labels" are only as
good as we are inherently. Who knows today what our relations
may have been in earlier lives, or, in future ones to be ?
Personally, I would rather have friends in my future. Its t more
pleasant to look forward to.

"He does "good" who knows how to do good." I was told by an old
friend of mine over 50 years ago. It sounded then as it does
now, as a pretty good basis for living with one another. The
problem is, then, how do we know something is good and
appropriate to be done? I have found that Theosophy addresses
this directly. At least it offers a philosophy, and logical
recipes, for "right livelihood." All the ancient and modern
"Great Teachers" have said this. Its maxims are underlaid with
common sense and sound logic.

Yes, musing over your comment, I would say that I agree with you,
a sound ethical / moral basis is a good practical example of the
validity of Theosophy as a philosophy.

Best wishes, as always,

Dallas

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


-----Original Message-----
From: Gerald Schueler [mailto:gschueler@earthlink.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2002 6:42 AM
To: Theosophy Study List
Subject: Theosophy vs Religion

<<<According to all the "founders" of great religions and
philosophies the MORAL LIFE was the primary objective they
selected you adhere to. For that alone they have been respected
and honored. Why should we do anything less?>>>

Dear Dallas, if all you want is moral behavior, why don't you be
a Christian or Muslim, etc. All of the world's religions teach
morals. It is my understanding that Theosophy has more to offer
than simply doing good deeds. Am I wrong? Is moral behevior the
"primary objective" of Theosophy? If so, I will go back to church
and quit bothering you.

Jerry S.


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