Theos-Talk Archives (June 2003 Message tt00294)

June 28,2003

Re: Wisdom : Theory and Practice

Dear K:

One cannot speak true wisdom unless one thinks and acts truly
"wise." This implies, first of all, impersonality and
universalism.

Any pretense is detectable on careful consideration and cannot be
concealed from those who attentively consider.

Those who are careless, or hasty, are the ones who make
themselves victims to pretense. The fault as I see it, is they
don't give themselves the time to think it out. They act on
desire and impulse (or "gut" feeling), and if we consider the
nature of the "bait" offered, it is precisely there, were our
natures are the weakest, where we are selfish and ambitious, that
a "lure" (such as personal power, or the control of others, or
the securing of wealth) is offered.

That is why I often say that true WISDOM is not for sale. It
cannot be bought and paid for in gold or services. [If they,
with their formulae, had achieved any progress they would not
need to hold classes or make a charge for them.]

However we all have one safe-guard: If its: Freedom to accept,
to consider and to reject.

Further, we need to establish with the confidence of experience
and much thought, certain standards that we have found
trustworthy and universally impersonal in fact and truth. This is
the most difficult (in my experience) aspect of learning.

Silence was counseled when an answer would have revealed more
than could be grasped. Or an answer was dangerous and
inappropriate. (see S D I 299). Can a cook in the kitchen be
helped by a knowledge of the chemistry used in mixing ingredients
and then heating and otherwise treating them? At some points a
knowledge of chemistry is needed, but the average good cook works
on a different basis.

Nobel revealed the formula to the power of TNT, hoping its horror
in use might banish warfare -- it did not. The power to kill
today exceeds almost every other constructive force. What Karma
attaches itself to those who participate in such manufacture? It
shows that MORALLY, humanity has a long way to progress before
being entrusted with destructive forces and mechanisms. I do note
that fear of the "atom" and "hydrogen" bombs seem, so far to act
as deterrents.

In a case such as Masters, or H P B, why not consider how a
"professor" might deal with a child ? Answer certainly, but at
the child's level of progress. So have they done for us: Given
principles and bases, and explained those, and then, left us to
make our own progressive deductions and applications. One could
observe that They are trying to get us to do our ow thinking for
ourselves.

We are the learners and "rote" (thoughtless repetition) was not
asked for. At this stage, we have to LEARN TO THINK, not merely
admire or "follow." This leads through experience to
"discrimination." How do we secure a glimpse of the immutable
TRUTH for us to use? Do we not have to look within? --
""...seek in the Impersonal for the "Eternal Man;" and having
sought him out, look inward thou art Buddha." (Voice, p. 29)

We might sat that "looking outward" for preceptors and teachings
has great dangers unless we take time to think over what we see,
hear or read. How do we establish our own faithful contact with
UNIVERSAL TRUTH, except by contacting the UNIVERSAL MAN (Mind)
within ? "...now thy Self is lost in SELF, Thyself unto THYSELF,
merged in THAT SELF FROM WHICH THOU FIRST DIDST RADIATE."
(Voice, p. 22)

Do we really believe, if we are faithful to a chosen "Guru," we
will become wise? Or is by watching and listening to that "guru"
and then thinking about what is heard and seen that we may become
wise and learn that all actions, in their case, are based on
universal and impersonal principles ? If we discover that their
actions are not so based, then we have misplaced our trust. But,
also to be noted, we have become wiser, and have learned to
discern a fresh layer of fact from imperfection, and possible
fiction and distortion. We have discovered, for instance, that
there is an immutable and stable reliable LAW in operation there,
and everywhere, and words or deeds by others, do not always lead
to such a perception. It has been our thinking and a broader
reliance on universal laws, that have led us to better
understanding.

In what light ought we regard the words and teachings of Masters,
H P B, and others who show by their capacity the ability to
adhere strictly to the ORIGINAL MESSAGE ? [We assume those
"words" have reached us 'unaltered.']

We may take their words as models, or as mnemonics (ideas to be
kept constantly in mind) but the further work, as you rightly say
is ACTION. How do we practice wisdom ?

In another post your ask how many on the list might consider
themselves "teachers?" Wisely, very few, and in fact: none ought
to. H P B used the phrase "pupil-teachers."

Since WISDOM is free and universal, we, at best, and as a duty to
perpetuate the eternal Philosophy, can only pass it on. If we
illustrate anything with some personal experience, then it ought
to be underscored by reference to some principle that is being
considered. Such references ought to be offered as impersonally
illustrating our achievements.

Consider, primarily that every being has 7 principles, and the
universal ATMAN is the HIGHEST.

Next, that mankind as a whole represents a stage in evolution
where Manas ( mind and its powers) is under self-controlled
discovery and development. Such being the case, every one is
independent, yet, bonded to all others by the community of the
ONE SPIRIT in which we all share and bathe -- as it is LIFE
UNIVERSAL and PERFECT.

See if this is of any help, or if I have made some errors and
assumptions.

Best wishes,

Dallas

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-----Original Message-----
From: Kat
Sent: Saturday, June 28, 2003 6:32 AM
To:
Subject: wisdom

> Dallas offers by way of answer:
> WISDOM (in my opinion) is the capacity to answer with
exactitude.

Hi Dallas,

IMO Wisdom isn't only about what one says, but also what one
does,
and the insight one has.

I don't think every insight has to be expressed. In fact - didn't
Blavatsky and the Mahatmas councel silence from time to time
(especially on certain subjects?)

K