Theos-Talk Archives (March 2003 Message tt00048)

03/06/2003 2:00 AM

Sorry This was inadvertently sent incomplete.

Here is the complete version

Dal

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

-----Original Message-----
From: dalval14@earthlink.
Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2003 6:27 PM
To:
Subject:: bn-study digest: March 04, 2003



Wednesday, March 05, 2003


Dear Marnie:


I think if you will study H P B’s the KEY TO THEOSOPHY you will
receive assurance that

1. The Universe, as a whole, including our earth and
ourselves, starts from a single spiritual basis.

2. Standing in contrast to this universal excellence and
purity, are the limitations of material forms. This makes for
selfishness. further , if this is extended selfishness; it
isolates and makes for all evil. Its contrast is Brotherhood
actively and relentlessly applied and pursued as a way for us to
live our lives.

3. The object of evolution, speaking generally, is to
spiritualize all “matter” in its multitude of forms. Thus the
“Goal” of experience for all “forms” has been called “Sublime
Perfection.” The selfishness of matter and form are thus
changed to tolerance and brotherhood. This is spiritual alchemy.

2. The whole interplay of Spirit and “Matter,” in
evolutionary terms, is seen as the gradual enhancement of
individualized and personalized Intelligence. It is completely
and forever a conscious sensitivity that cements Spirit and
Matter together with their intelligent and coexistent partner
UNIVERSAL MIND.

4. The growth of intelligence, knowledge and perception
is encouraged by the innate nature of both Spirit (wisdom,
consciousness and purity) and Matter (the self-limited forms).
Mind as a bonding intelligence that is consciously able to
perceive their duality and yet, serve to unite them. Hence the
Monad in manifestation is called the “Three in One.” It is
immortal and reincarnates. Immediately one is able to see that
Evolution is made possible during the cyclic periods of
manifestation (such as ours), by the ONE UNIVERSAL AND
ILLIMITABLE SPIRIT, dividing itself into an enormous number of
minute entities, referred to in Theosophical philosophy as the
“Monads.” Each of these is separate yet also an indissoluble
part of the “THREE IN ONE.”

5 These living, vibrant and ever whirling “Monads” fill
all Space, so there is no actual “void” anywhere. Thus, for this
period of growth and development, the polar opposites: SPIRIT and
Matter, interact over a very long period under a single body of
fraternal and cooperative Laws which govern all relationships --
these establish the Underlying Universal “Morality.” This the
base for what we call “good” everywhere -- no variations, no
special considerations, just a Law that is fair and equal for
all.

6. Of necessity there is an intermediary between the
purity and Wisdom of SPIRIT, and the limitations and selfishness
of “Matter.” This intermediary is the Mind. In its origin it
coexists with both SPIRIT and “Matter.” It always serves as
“consciousness,” as an “INTERPRETER,” and as the “intelligent
link” of Life, virtue, obedience to Law, and sensitivity,
tolerance and understanding between these two (Spirit and Matter)
seeming “opposites”

7. Our Universe, earth and ourselves are the periodical
manifestations of Intelligence (great and small, but always
mutually supportive). In this process many “bodies,” or ”forms”
are used. The concept of “reincarnation” is thus developed, and
is to be observed as the periodical return of a Spiritual
Intelligence and Mind to the field of experience we call an earth
life

Hence Theosophy does not advocate or advocate “war” at any time.

Here is what the great Buddha said 2,500 years or so ago:

--------------


One day, Sinha, the general of the army, went to the Buddha and
said:

" I am a soldier, O Blessed One. I am appointed by the King to
enforce his laws and to wage his wars. The Buddha teaches
infinite love, kindness and compassion for all sufferers: Does
the Buddha permit the punishment of the criminal?

And also, does the Buddha declare that it is wrong to go to war
for the protection of our homes, our wives, our children and our
property? Does the Buddha teach the doctrine of complete
self-surrender? Should I suffer the evil-doer to do what he
pleases and yield submissively to him who threatens to take by
violence what is my own? Does the Buddha maintain that all strife
including warfare waged for a righteous cause should be
forbidden?"

The Buddha replied,

"He who deserves punishment must be punished. And he who is
worthy of favour must be favoured. Do not do injury to any living
being but be just, filled with love and kindness.

All warfare in which man tries to slay his brothers is
lamentable.

Struggle must exist, for all life is a struggle of some kind. But
make certain that you do not struggle in the interest of self
against truth and justice. He who struggles for peace and truth
will have great reward; even his defeat will be deemed a victory.

"If a person goes to battle even for a righteous cause, then
Sinha, he must be prepared to be slain by his enemies because
death is the destiny of warriors. And should his fate overtake
him, he has no
reason to complain. But if he is victorious his success may be
deemed great, but no matter how great it is, the wheel of fortune
may turn again and bring his life down into the dust.

However, if he moderates himself and extinguishes all hatred in
his heart, if he lifts his down-trodden adversary up and says to
him, "Come now and make peace and let us be brothers," then he
will gain a victory that is not a transient success; for the
fruits of that victory will remain forever.

"Great is a successful general, Sinha, but he who conquers self
is the greater victor.

This teaching of conquest of self, Sinha, is not taught to
destroy the lives of others, but to protect them. The person who
has conquered himself is more fit to live, to be successful and
to gain victories that is the person who is a slave of self.

The person whose mind is free from illusion of self, will stand
and not fall in the battle of life. He whose intentions are
righteousness and justice, will meet with no failures. He will be
successful in his enterprise and his success will endure. He who
harbours love of truth in his heart will live and not suffer, for
he has drunk the water of immortality. So struggle courageously
and wisely. Then you can be a soldier of Truth." [From the
Suttas]

-----------------------------

Best wishes,

Dallas

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



-----Original Message-----


From: Marnie C
Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2003 1:48 PM
To:
Subject: bn-study digest: March 04, 2003


This is becoming an interesting discussion, but so far it appears
that most of the opinions expressed are personal. Some are
logical - coming from mind, some are based on human love and
compassion - coming from the heart and some are concerned with
the survival of the species - arising from a desire to protect
the physical manifestation of spirit.

I would be interested in reading what some you express about the
underlying energy that is promoting this world event. Despite my
personal limitations, I believe that practicing understanding on
a higher level can contribute to the raising of human
consciousness to a more spiritual motivation in all that I do.
For instance, I question whether there is such a thing as a
"moral imperative" on the spiritual plane. I want to believe
that this separation of good vs evil, better vs worst, or any
other thoughts that invite comparison or opposition exist only in
the minds of men. I want to believe that there exists a more
universal level that is able to encompass extremes into a perfect
whole that exemplifies a more inclusive way of being.

My understanding of Theosophy is based on the acceptance that
there is a higher, more encompassing level to be considered. I
believe that Theosophy concerns itself with this more
encompassing level of being and individual, personal opinions
whether they are individual, national, or coming from any
particular spiritual point of view, are all limited. Theosophy
is concerned with understanding and accepting the fact that there
are greater energies behind every opinion, ideal or planetary
event.

I see this current event, not as a war about to happen, but as
the first world-wide, planetary peace movement. Yes, we have the
forces of good and evil but which party exemplifies either of
these, begs the question. A higher, more encompassing energy is
forcing us (humanity) through these events, to work out, (on
every level, physical, emotional, and mental) of a way in which
individuality with its specific interests and agendas can be
encompassed in the overall plan that guides our species and
awaits our planet.

I do have my own particular wishes and desires for the outcome of
these events, but at the same time I know that these are based on
my own aspirations and desire for comfort. This is the way it
should be. However, at the same time, I have an eye towards
Theosophical values that espouse group activity, spiritual
inclusion and the fact that I exist in a universe that
encompasses realms and levels of activity that my physical brain
and my spiritual understanding are too limited by their very
nature, to fully understand or comprehend.

Marnie



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