Theos-Talk Archives (May 2002 Message tt00032)

Sunday, May 05, 2002

Dear John:

As I understand it, Theosophy teaches us, because ATMA is the highest
(and an aspect -- or, a "Ray" -- of the UNIVERSAL ATMAN) "principle"
in us, we should search for the GURU inward.

Deity may be (is) omnipresent, and therefore the closest place to
locate "God" is inward. We all understand that, even those who have
the deepest "faith" grasp the idea of the "everywhere presence of
God."

The VOICE OF THE SILENCE in one place says: "Look inward, thou art
Buddha." I don't think H P B was joking when she set that down as a
part of the Buddha's teaching -- as expressed in the Mahayana
tradition.

Looking for outside "gurus" is usually frustrating, because the true
ones come to us when we need them, and by a word or a gesture clear up
the problems we might be experiencing. They are "givers" and not
"takers."

But I would add, we have to be very attentive to notice such things.

As I recall it, H P B wrote a very interesting and important letter (I
read a copy long ago, and do not have one for copying) from Ostende to
an "Inner Group" in the London T S Lodge ( 1886 ?), there she
mentions the fact that the Master's influence surrounds every true
aspirant and student -- I am pretty sure that that "influence" is as
strong today as it was then.

As May 8th approaches, perhaps this is a good time to think on this.
Why should we assume that H P B and the Masters are remote and
unreachable? We have t make the effort to draw the to us -- for the
sake of what can be done for humanity. Let's look at what could
happen 500, or 1,000 or 10,000 years from now. We, living so close to
the time when Theosophy was re-promulgated have a very special
opportunity. Can we recognize it and seize the moment ?

I would also say that we are all (we who have made ourselves
sustainers of Theosophy in the world) in effect H P B's chelas -- as,
we owe our knowledge to her efforts and to our study of the "Message"
she brought from the Mahatmas. But, that is my personal opinion and I
feel deeply indebted to her and to Them for that effort.

Look at the present cycle in time (will use approximate periods and
figures) -- 5,000 years since Krishna's death and the beginning of
Kali Yuga; 2,500 years since the Buddha taught; 2,000 years since
Jesus labored to reform his people -- now we can see (and perhaps it
is only a guess from our point of view) that advantage has been taken
of the present cycle where English would be the world language for the
educated, and those most likely to understand Theosophy, and employ
its ethical principles based on spiritual ideas, now made easy for all
to understand, regardless of their customs, traditions, or religions.

So our opportunity, perhaps I should say "duty," is to see that this
"message" is kept moving forward, so many more can benefit from it.
That is all we are asked to do: To keep on presenting it. It then
becomes each individual's responsibility to use, or act on it, once he
has made the contact.

Theosophy evokes and stimulates Soul response, self-search, and
encourages the "God-within" to manifest. Or so I think it does.

I also am convinced that our opportunity is great at the present
moment.

I a also reminded of three "watch words" once spoken at a time of
crisis:

WORK -- WATCH -- WAIT (we will not have too long to
wait).

In hope, aspiration and peace

Best wishes,

Dallas

-----Original Message-----
From: J M
Sent: Saturday, May 04, 2002 11:20 AM
To:
Subject: Re: Guru/Chela


> >the Guru-Chela relationship is not practiced today (western). There
are
no
> >Gurus. Find your path and follow it. Your internal Ishvarah is
enough,
> >guided by your intuition and your own sensibility.
>
> Bruce: It is practiced today in many places, and for many people it
is
> helpful.

I agree with you that Guru-Chela relationships are practiced, and will
agree
that some are fruitful. However, I do not think they are True. They
are
mostly 'Practicing'. I try to discouarage people from forming one,
mostly
because I have not found any true Gurus. It is just too risky to
steer
someone toward that model.

I appreciate the feedback and correction!

Thanks & Peace -

john e. m.


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