Theos-Talk Archives (July 2004 Message tt00324)

Anand, you wrote:

"Members can write a book showing defects in HPB, 
mistakes in her work, how she was smoker, her short 
temper etc. Still I would say that it is wrong to 
write such a book. I disagree with some members 
who say that such critical works are necessary."

But if such a book is written as an honest
inquiry and as a search for truth in these
matters, what is wrong with that?

For example, I do not accept many of the
contentions in K. Paul Johnson's books on
Madame Blavatsky and the Masters. Nevertheless,
I believe all serious students of Theosophy should
read these works. And I would be quite opposed
to any effort to "ban" his works or "suppress" 
them. In fact, one can learn a great deal from
reading his books.

And same goes for Gregory Tillett's biography
of Leadbeater. This is a valuable work on
Leadbeater. One may not agree with all of
Tillett's conclusions but the book constitutes
a sourcebook on Leadbeater material.

This book should be in every Adyar T.S. library
worldwide. If Leadbeater students believe
there are mistakes and serious defects in
book they should write a critique of the Tillett
book and show by chapter and verse, where Tillett
is wrong. Let there be serious talk and discussion
of the underlying issues. Surely much could be
learned from such an approach.

Are Theosophists to be encouraged to have
"blind confidence" in Theosophical leaders whoever
they may be?

Or are Theosophists to be "delvers after truth" and
"independent" thinkers?

Anand, I do not know where you have learned your
approach to Theosophy, but it appears to me (and I
could be wrong) that this approach is quite different
from the one advocated by HPB in her voluminous writings
and the Masters in their letters.

But as they say in Texas, each tub stands on its own.
And you can believe whatever you want, but your
inclination to censor what you don't like has
troubling implications and appears to me as an
obstacle to free inquiry and freedom of thought.

Daniel
http://hpb.cc