Theos-Talk Archives (May 2004 Message tt00202)

Steve, 

I think there is no fundamental disagreement between us. But, there is a 
slight difference in interpretation... In that I feel the Eye or Head Doctrine is 
pure esoteric theosophical metaphysics -- which should not be confused with 
the past and current intellectualizations of science justifying materialism and 
separateness that has led the secular world to its present state of disarray. 


I also do not believe that one can be an effective warrior in the battle 
of correct views against wrong views -- in order to accomplish a truly 
universal brotherhood -- without helping place in the minds of as many prospective 
theosophical students as possible the correct metaphysical concepts of 
fundamental reality (and subsequently gained conviction of its inherent truth) that 
was taught in the SD, as well as by the Buddha, along with all the other great 
Adepts and Masters of Wisdom, to their inner circle of disciples ... Who were 
expected to become the future teachers and guides of mankind. It is those se
rious students of theosophy today -- who have fully absorbed the esoteric Eye 
Doctrine teachings and follow its yogic practices in accord with the Heart 
Doctrine -- that are their present day counterparts. 

If the scientists of today can also be convinced of those metaphysical 
truths, as the fundamental basis of their postmodern physics -- a new paradigm, 
so to speak, that includes consciousness and matter, along with its seven 
fold nature as an interdependent unity, along with the understanding of both 
karma and reincarnation as fundamental law -- all the rest of the world who look 
to them as their gurus, will follow their lead, and become open to the 
teachings and practice of the Heart Doctrine. 

The Heart Doctrine alone, however, has little power to change the mind 
set of mankind -- without the knowledge gained through study and understanding 
of the fundamental principles and the metaphysics of universal origin and 
evolution -- leading to a knowledge of the seven fold nature of everything as well 
as of the psychic powers latent in man (and their proper application)... As 
evidenced by the failure of all such dictated "religious" teachings (without 
its accompanying metaphysics that "proves" karma and reincarnation, and 
justifies the necessity of Universal Brotherhood) to stem the tide of materialism 
during the past many centuries. 

Therefore, judging by her writings, I'm almost certain that HPB never 
expected the Heart Doctrine alone to be effective in achieving the aims of the 
movement, without the qualifying support of that doctrine by the metaphysical 
knowledge given out in the SD for the first time in human history (or at 
least, since the beginning of the Kali Yuga). If this were not so, then the 
tremendous amount of work to meticulously explain the Eye Doctrine in both Isis and 
the SD, would have been a waste of her and the Masters' time and effort. 

In my view, theosophy can never be allowed to become a religion based 
on faith alone -- nor on knowledge alone -- without an equal measure of 
compassionate application governed by self realization gained through study and 
complete understanding of the theosophical metaphysics outlined in the SD, coupled 
with the practice of the Heart Doctrine described in the Voice of the Silence. 
One without the other could never achieve the goals set out clearly in the 
purpose (the three objects of the Theosophical Movement) behind HPB's giving 
out to the world those formerly esoteric teachings. 

In any event, I don't think the world's people can ever achieve that 
knowingness coupled with compassionate altruism, and become an effective 
brotherhood in this century -- before they are faced with its ecological, economical, 
political, social, and governmental collapse -- mainly due to their thoughts 
and actions based on wrong views in the past and the present. 

In that light, and until that time, we both may be whistling in the wind. 
But we are, perhaps, doing our part (as we each see it) toward helping create, 
at least, the nucleus of that brotherhood which will become active after the 
collapse of the present world, like the proverbial phoenix rising out of the 
ashes -- to teach and guide the survivors, as well as the new 6th sub-race that 
may soon be appearing among us. 

Therefore, I think it quite obvious that, to be effective in fulfilling the 
objects of the Theosophical Movement, the two doctrines must go hand in hand -- 
each one dependent on the other. Knowledge of the fundamental principles, 
and the metaphysics that connects them, inadvertently leads to the Heart 
Doctrine... As, the Heart Doctrine depends upon its metaphysics to justify it and 
give us the power to support it. The question still is, which comes first, the 
chicken or the egg? In my view, knowledge always comes before correct action, 
and aspiration must come before useful knowledge can be obtained. So the 
question is still a moot one. :-)

Best wishes,

Lenny