Theos-Talk Archives (December 2002 Message tt00077)

Dec 30 2002

The IMPORTANCE of THEOSOPHY

After H P B what happens to THEOSOPHY ?

Dear T.

Your reaction to the books or writings by those authors sounds pretty
much like my own.

H P B is another thing. They have power. I think it is the power of
veracity.

At least, after about 60 years seriously examining their statements, I
have not been able to fault them. But again, that's just me talking.
Those are my conclusions, popular or not. Each of us is on their own.

That's what makes us important to ourselves and to the world -- we
don't need support and we don't feel it important to be members of a
herd, or of a senseless crowd that assures us: "you're right,"
because it KNOWS NO BETTER No. We want to know independently IF WE
ARE RIGHT.

If you visit a museum and look at the art there -- your reaction is
either that you like it, or you do not, or, it is so/so. Some people
have no idea, and no innate basis to rely on -- some find it difficult
to appreciate perspective, or color harmony -- just as much as many
who attend the opera do the music halls haven an innate comprehension
of musical harmony, and are afraid to give an opinion unless it is
"politically correct." So, like sycophants, they follow the critics,
and, being overwhelmed by the details of obviously well-advertised
scholarship, have really nothing to say for themselves. Also they
feel "hurt" if challenged, and asked to give THEIR reasons.

I have seen changes in art, clothing, literary expression, poetry,
architectural impact, musical appreciation. And the modern
expressions are mostly cacophony, boisterously misplaced exuberance,
or, "noise" to me. I don't need to be "excited." I can create my own
"excitement," and also, I can control it. ( And I am not afraid to
say so.) But that is so little liked or wanted, I generally keep
quiet -- on the basis that those who opt for "following-the-leader"
will eventually find out if it was a true and honest leader or not.
They won't listen to warnings. [ And I don't think I am so wise
either. I also say if one lives to be "excited," then one looses one's
grip over the MIND, and of all my "tools," I value that most because
it gives me control, and I very much resist any kind of external
control being attempted to be cast on me. In short I will not permit
"controlled." -- which "excitement" has a tendency to do.]

I am of the opinion that H P B's writings speak to the kernel of
things and give good reasons -- at least they seam coherent and
trustworthy. They seek to present ideas. And in doing that they ask
for a free evaluation of them. They do not attempt to control. I will
also add, that while I do not understand everything on first reading,
if I am patient, I have found that if I set the matter aside for
future study, I have been eventually satisfied that it is a living
part of A LIVING WHOLE.

I read another current contributor who, making value judgments from
appearances and seeming quantitative data, has come to the conclusion
that "theosophy" is a dying or dwindling affair.

As I see it, Theosophy is unassailable as a statement of FACTS IN
NATURE. It offers HISTORY and not speculation, nor does it pander to
any present craze or set of popular opinions. It does not seek
"adherents." Contrary to popular "excitement, it is very sober -- it
demands thinkers.

Until that this grasped it will always be a mystery to the
"fly-by-nights."

Does a University present opportunities for those who want to learn?
Or is it solely a basis from which graduating students can advertise
their apparent expertise, and form there claim a larger "starting
salary" from potential employers? No true scholars or seekers for
TRUTH are they.

Another observation is in regard to University offerings. Dom they
invariably present the highest standard of knowledge? Are they
impartial? Do they encourage and nurture independent study, even when
it may be contrary (or deviant) from accepted norms and values ? Does
it encourage learning and work without the imposition of the teacher'
s standards or "hobby-horses?" Are existent theories or hypotheses
allowed to be seriously challenged? is the challenger given a free
platform? And, given encouragement to break down or to modify the
basis of considerations that has hitherto prevailed? Is there true
academic freedom there?

Where is TRUTH to be had ?

Well, see what you can make of this. I say THEOSOPHY demands inquiry,
free and pertinent, always. In the KEY TO THEOSOPHY (HPB) -- p.
271 -- on Education, H P B wrote: "we should aim at creating free
men and women, free intellectually, free morally, unprejudiced in all
respects, and above all things unselfish." I think that is a pretty
good objective.

Best wishes,

Dal

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-----Original Message-----
From: thalprin
Sent: Monday, December 30, 2002 9:27 AM
To:
Subject: HPB and after her THEOSOPHY -- is of what value ?

Dear Dallas,

Thank you for the very fine suggestion to read the works of these
authors AND make me own assessments. But, truth is, in all likelihood
I just can't bring myself to read their books.

Over the years I've probably seen most of their titles, and, it is
always the same - I pick up the book, check the table of contents,
scan a few chapters for relative infos AND within a few minutes at
most I always just wanna put those books down.

A. A. B's materials seem kind of religious to me and it is this
feeling
of her prescribing one's "daily life" that I find grating. And,
Leadbeater, he creeps me out. I just hear that guy's name and I feel
lucky! Helena Roerich, really, I never get passed her photos, she
reminds me of the lady DeVille for 101 Dalmatians - she freaks me
out! And, I always think: "Man! I wouldn't wanna run into her on a
dark road at night"! Olcott, I never know who he is, and, I'm never
sure what he's actually saying or talking about. Krishnamurti, well,
that whole situation just makes me too sad.

The thing I like about HPB's works is that there is clear minded and
relative information on each and every page. She did very well
combine/solidify/cross-correlate maths, philosophy, mythology,
science, language, history and symbol. These are the subjects that
are of interest to me AND I am not much interested in
agendas/pursuits bent of another nature of understanding nor single
focus/insight or inclination. I think/feel that HPB's materials are
a worldly, enlightening and unbiased resource AND that what she has
written is in fact a tremendous accumulation of reason and wisdom AND
quite a respectable gift to have accomplished/offered on up - it's an
inspiration, even today. So, it's useful and it's practical, abiding
as value does AND when I look in her eyes I see a seeker of truth AND
I feel wisdom, trial and love. When I read her works I see/feel
understanding and experience AND the effort/search to be as open and
honest, thorough and direct as one can possibly be.

Sincerely,

T