Theos-Talk Archives (December 2003 Message tt00342)

Dear Friend:

Re: Accurate reproductions of original Theosophical literature

Of course photographic reproductions would be the most useful if one can
not secure a copy of those originals.

A number of libraries carry original as well as altered versions.

There are a number of sources noted by you already, as well as
electronic reproductions, which are available. I am sure your coverage
on this is adequate.

As to "altered versions." I ask myself of what use would those be
unless one is already familiar with the originals?

If one desires opinions and glosses, then the periodical literature and
sundry books issued so far ought to cover those.

Finally, it comes down to the individuals' ability to trace what has
been called the "Heart Doctrine".

Best wishes,

Dallas

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

-----Original Message-----
From: Daniel H. Caldwell [mailto:danielhcaldwell@yahoo.com] 
Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2003 6:59 AM
To: BN Study
Subject: Theos-World Dallas on "altering the originals" of HPB's
writings

Dallas, you recently wrote (Wed. Dec. 17, 2003) to
Reed Carson:

"At least we have her [HPB's] texts as she edited them
-- no confusion there. But it is interesting to see
on review that as soon as the original texts ran out
of print, and she was dead; as early as 1893, 2 years
later, students hastened to introduce changes from
hers to their versions of what those texts meant, thus
altering the originals. . . ."

Yes, Dallas, I agree with what you write above.

But what are you suggesting?

Dallas, are you recommending that Blavatsky students
should avoid using ALL "altered" versions of HPB's
originals??

For the BENEFIT of readers of your postings, can you
give us a list of inprint editions of HPB's works that
give HPB's "texts as she edited them"; in other words,
editions that contain NO "changes" or "altering" by
students?

Dallas, I think such a list would be very helpful
ESPECIALLY for inquirers and new students of Theosophy
who do not have the years of study that you have. This
will help students to avoid the "confusion" you
indirectly refer to in your above statement.

Daniel