Theos-Talk Archives (February 2002 Message tt00542)

Apparently, the only use of history for students of theosophy, is to show us 
the mistakes of the past that we must not repeat.

LHM

In a message dated 02/18/02 5:30:42 AM, ramadoss@gbronline.com writes:

>Hi, Bill:
>
>You are right. History is one thing and *wisdom* a totally different thing.
>
>Also we need to distinguish between personalities and the principles and
>information presented as theosophy. In the final analysis, if the 
>principles and information presented as theosophy has helped us in our
>own daily lives -- has changed it for the better of ourselves and those we
>interact with, is most critical.
>
>Again, whatever ideas and information presented by anyone as theosophy,
>still is second hand and is a description of the reality that lies behind
>which can only be experienced personally and there is no substitute for
>personal experience.
>
>Re Krishnamurti, he laid out his views when he delivered his "Truth is a 
>Pathless Land". (May be it can be posted here, if anyone would like it be 
>posted.) He emphasised that no organization can lead any one to Truth and
>it is something that each one of us has to discover for ourselves. (Hard
>work! - nothing cooked and spoon fed!) History is past and he emphasized
>the urgent need to deal with what *is* at the present moment. So I do not
>think he dwelt on History.
>
>mkr
>
>At 08:55 PM 2/17/02 -0500, you wrote:
>>Hi MKR,
>>Yes, I agree with you. I think your point is particularly compelling
>>regarding theosophical history. It seems that theosophical history is
>>subject to continuous re-vision by various historians who "see" it from
>>different perspectives. I think my point was that the history of theosophy
>>as presented by *any* historian is not the *wisdom* of theosophy.
>>
>>I wonder did J. Krishnamurti ever speak of 'history' and bias? I have read
>>some of what he said about organizations.
>>
>>regards,
>>Bill
>>----- Original Message -----
>>From: "MKR" <ramadoss@gbronline.com>
>>To: <theos-talk@yahoogroups.com>
>>Sent: Sunday, February 17, 2002 8:37 PM
>>Subject: Re: Theos-World put in it your own words first
>>
>>
>> > Thanks for your well reasoned response. Like to share some thoughts
>> > on one of your comments quoted below.
>> >
>> > When we present theosophy or any other matter, in practice, however,
>> > there is going to be bias whether they are conscious or unconscious. Also
>> > when one is active in any organization or expects anything from any
>> > organization, or fear from the organization, then unbiased statement of
>> > ones views may become very very difficult. The organizations do give
>> > inducements to make those who belong to it - material or non material.
>> >
>> > When independent views are exhibited, when they are unacceptable to the
>> > organization or its leadership, no matter how truthful the views are,
>> > organizations tend to marginalize the individual.
>> >
>> > So it would be a good idea to get some background of the individual and
>> > his/her relationships with organizations and other individuals as these
>> > may give us some help in examining the individuals views as we can keep
>> > this fact in the background and discount appropriately.
>> >
>> > In maillists, it is not unusual to find some who take radical views hide
>> > under a pseudonym since they dare not to stand up in open and disclose
>> > who they are and where they come from.
>> >
>> > mkr
>> >
>> > At 03:36 PM 2/17/02 -0500, Bill Meredith wrote:
>> > >Now, one could argue, and it has been argued, that the personal biases
>> > >and background are unimportant in the presentation of theosophy. The
>> > >ancient wisdom speaks for itself and vibrates within us those chords of 
>> > >timeless truth carried on the shoulders of present faith.