Theos-Talk Archives (December 2002 Message tt00493)

Dec 13 2002

Dear Eri L:

In trying to answer your question I thought about the contrast between
our average educated schooling and some concepts that theosophy
offers.

We know:

1. we are alive, and can think and make decisions as to what we will
say or do. We know

2. we are surrounded by a supportive Universe that provides the
physical body with its life., and

3. we also know that we interact with this environment. Its reaction
to our choices becomes the real subject for study ?

What basis do we use for such decisions: Are we only a
passing shade and does death bring cessation to us and to the value of
our lives? Have we the power to step aside from any "influence" that
may seem to constrain our judgment and choice? Are emotions of
various kinds of intensity and aim the rulers of our NATURE and
CHARACTER, or are we independent of them ? Last, but not least,
what is the nature and purpose of the "Personality?

Can we use :

1. the theosophical divisions (principles in Man and Universe) and
other concepts: such as

2. the immortality of the Monads (in a vast School of learning and
evolution) that make up all of the Universe and ourselves (we are a
thinking Monad), and

3. Karma as a universal law for all, the harmony of the many
diversities in the ONE UNIVERSE.


To be considered

1. Are we immortal beings using as temporary habitat this body. We
animate and use it.
We have to define "immortal" and "being".

2. Are we thinking beings, since the power to consider by thought
implies a detachment from the Body, and the ability to assume an
impersonal, or more impartial stance and attitude in considering
decisions that will affect our future? If so how do we define the
mind? Is it a product of molecular action in the brain? Is it
independent of the brain? Is the physical brain only an instrument
that the body uses to communicate with and guide our bodies? If it is
independent, then what kind of substance or material is it made of ?

4. The physical body that we use is a most complex instrument, and
medical science is discovering unsuspected depths and areas of
sensitivity and of usage in various organs, that may be away from the
brain, but within the network of the nervous system. There are two
organs that pervade every part of the body: the Nervous system; and
the Circulatory system with the heart at its center.

5. We are uncertain as the total range of our powers either in
thought or in action.

6. Our emotions, feelings, urges, passions, lovers, hates -- all
un the area of emotion seem to be a detached group of sensations that
are intimately related to both the body and the thinking principle
(Mind). Are they bonded to either or to both? Can they be considered
as a separate set of motivational factors that have some influence
over the human entity?

7. What is the human entity? How is to be divided for
understanding. How is to be united in an effort to understand the
cooperative aspect of a living mind in a living body ?

8. If we can agree that Theosophy may be correct in saying that
the SPIRITUAL MAN is an entity composed of wisdom, thought and
volition, And the emotions are a separate entitative intelligence of
which "instinct" is the most advanced part. we may have solved one of
the deepest psychological problems that beset an understanding of the
dichotomy of man's views: Order vs. Chaos; Law vs. anarchy.

These are many questions and I have been considering them for years,
seeking to resolve their worth.

Perhaps we can solve this.

1.	If there is order at the base of the Universe, then the problems of
individual or of national "balance" can be restored by mutual
goodwill.

2.	I think we are all "real Theosophists" but do not know it. We are
all doing some good (when we think of it) in the area where we live.
Some think wider and deeper than others, but the same capacity is
present in potential in all.

3.	True, talk is different from practice. When the practice does not
measure up to "fine words": then there is hypocrisy. Right thought
has to precede right planning, good words, and noble deeds. The deeds
and words we respect are those that are impartial and universally
true. ( But not necessarily popular).

4.	If we are all immortals then the time factor ought not to daunt us.
If we all decided at once to improve the boost to the world would be
enormous. We would eliminate at a stroke lies and dissimilation, and
false secrecy. We would not be afraid of placing plans, actins, and
thoughts in front of others for them to consider and assist us with.--
or to criticise.

5.	The word "ignore" is a curious one. It means "I know, but I will
not practice what I know." One should wonder why this reticence
exists and where does it come from. Is it a worthy attitude, or one
the is concealed because we know it is a "bad" one ?

6.	Any system of practices that rely on lie and concealment end up
destroying itself and others. If this is national or business policy,
then there is an inevitable failure. People are not content with
simple .living, they allow themselves to be driven by impossible
dreams of selfish and personal advantages over others, sometimes
ill-acquired. We all innately know the difference between lie and
truth. We all know the difference between vice and virtue, yet we are
afraid to speak of this openly or to declare for the side of virtue
without any reservations. Are we not, in such cases conceding the
field of action to the hypocrites and the greedy?

7.	As to it being a challenge -- el it is fighting actively against
the prevalent character of living. It demands that any one who makes
decisions think about their future consequences. If we live in a
Universe of LAW then, breaking the law ends up eventually in personal
disaster for us and ours. Is it then wise to do evil? The answer is
obvious. But we have got our wires crossed and meanings twisted as
society is presently constituted.

Best wishes,

Dallas

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


-----Original Message-----
From: Eri L
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002
To:
Subject: Re:: Political Backstabbing


"How can students of Theosophy offer principles that
might serve statesmen to balance the world, save the
poor and keep peace? "

Dear Dallas

this question formulated by you always intrigues me.

I think that students of Theosophy can't offer
principles which may help a better world, but only
real theosophists, and as you might know they are very
few.

There is a difference between theory and practice, one
can know and study Theosophy, but this will not make
him a Theosophist...

One of the Masters in the Mahatma Letters, mention
that human nature takes millions of years to change...
The inner development and the qualities required for
one to be a Theosophist are rooted in eternal truths
that very few people can touch or have a glimpse. It's
a difficult path...

There are some practical tools, that one who has
ability can use to influence statesmen: writing with
logic, without dogma. Offering information which may
inspire. But there is a great enemy: ignorance and
egoism which is expressed even in the political system
which exists today.

We don't have a political system build upon principles
which are noble and could really help a better
development of humanity as a whole. The capitalism,
communism, etc isn't a fallacy...

A practical change to happen, and help humanity
necessarily has also to happen in the systems which
are ruling the world. This is a challenge that very
few can undertake...

best regards

Eri L