Theos-Talk Archives (July 2004 Message tt00406)

July 27 2004

CRITICAL WRITINGS Re. The THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT 

Thanks Bart:


As you say: I really don't want to present "arguments."  

That's why I quote such a lot from the "Original Teachings, or Documents."
They are (for me, and I hope for others) a panacea. They identify troubles,
offer us, for reflection facts from Nature's vast store, and then suggest
the process of "self-cure." That's how I see it. Yes, it is a kind of
"wading in," ready to have my "block knocked off."  

I am troubled when much (seemingly to me) inaccurate effort is given about
the past history of the THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT -- because, essentially, we
cannot change it regardless of the opinions we may personally hold
concerning events that are unchangeable.

All I can say is: read the history (if we must, and it is our Karma to do
so) via the DOCUMENTS -- 

1.	there is no room for anything else, and certainly not about
opinions;

2.	why worry about individuals? They are responsible for what they
did, not we. Some did well and some did not, we all know that. 

3.	The more "universal" we are, the more "impersonal" we become. There
is great safety in that for all. We are never "personally right," if we can
present some basis to which all may attest and agree based on the face of
the facts offered. Of course one has to be careful to offer, as best we
can, a true spectrum of "facts," or we will be accused of partiality, and of
selecting only a section of what is available or, of "apologizing." 

And we cannot change that although we may presently irritate one another.
And that tends to be the reverse of BROTHERHOOD.

We have the living actual PHILOSOPHY to learn.  

Is that not more important than anything else?  

An opportunity to study the way the world and our universe are said to be
working -- on its many interlocking planes. So lets grasp at that. The
result is:  

1. We are ever more convinced that law prevails; and

2. We are convinced that the brotherhood of similar entities, powers,
faculties, duties -- exists, regardless of individual standing or range of
perception and sensitivity, and

3. The Universe is sensitive and alive in all its parts and everyone of
those has current relations with the rest,

4.	We cannot change the past, as we can only think in the present about
our duties and who we may assist each other and the future of this vast
aggregation.


Those past events, specially (since we are actively engaged in the present
with the THEOSOPHICAL Movement) the guidance of the THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY
after HPB died, cannot be changed -- so lets leave them alone. 

The Karma of every individual involved then and now will eventually work
itself out and we being so greatly ignorant of details, need not try to
handle or meddle with that.

I wrote what I did because I can sense there will be a lot of time wasted on
matters that are irreversible. This detracts form the constructive work of
testing verifying and examining the great Philosophy and its history.

And, from our conclusions we may arrive at this as a possible situation: we
have only a single responsibility to ourselves as a member of that
THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT (as the paths of the world humanity's evolution are to
be found everywhere), and to the rest of our brothers, and that may well be
the work open to us all - the promulgating what we have learnt of the Great
Philosophy -- and offer explanations thereon. 

Of course, in regard to opinions about individuals and their self-chosen
courses, there will be stubbed toes and hurt feelings, but the seeker for
truth is satisfied, when necessary, with facts.  

Let those with opinions nurture them, but not burden or involve all of us
the readers. I know we can efface anything that is presented, but, WHY
PRESENT IT? Is it constructive?

No one I have yet read or talked with can show anything like the range and
depth of knowledge of HPB or the Masters -- so why the haste to belittle or
obliterate what they have done and said?  

Masters said that religions and churches were the source of the greatest
obscuration that could deter humanity for true progress -- 

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

"I will point out the greatest, the chief cause of nearly two thirds of the
evils that pursue humanity ever since that cause became a power. It is
religion under whatever form and in whatsoever nation. It is the sacerdotal
caste, the priesthood and the churches; it is in those illusions that man
looks upon as sacred, that he has to search out the source of that multitude
of evils which is the great curse of humanity and that almost overwhelms
mankind. Ignorance created Gods and cunning took advantage of the
opportunity. " M L pp 57-9

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

so for what reason need the THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY have seemingly reversed
that? That is a rhetorical question and needs no explanation as those
responsible for that kind of "leading" are not here at our bar to answer.

It also reemphasizes the fact that every one needs to be independent in
study, and frame their own opinions on such facts as are commonly available
-- to follow someone's "lead" or "line" is -- well -- blind belief and
credulity -- the fodder of politicians, not of "Teachers of the TRUE."  

Each one of us, of urgent necessity, needs to take the time and impose
self-discipline to discover FACTS.  

This opinion, and clear statement of mine, might be challenged, Let the cap
fit the head who wears it. But I would like to see any real evidence that
Theosophy is false. Who has studied it fully yet? Certainly not I ! I have
much to learn and far to go. In the meantime, I try to make available some
of the steps and areas of discovery which are available to all true
scholars. And I also sense that for all of us "time is of the essence."
Presently we all will be facing the "Moment of choice." [And that is
something each one ought to look up, and grasp the implications of. See S D
I 247, 265, 639; II 149, 249, 261,300-1, and M L 47]


] 

I am as astonished now, as ever before, when over 60 years ago I started
really studying Theosophy, whenever I made time, or found it -- it is like
the reputed Kum Bum tree -- one unfolds a section of the bark, or turns over
the leaves or flowers (as Abbe Huc reported), one discovers a whole new
view we had earlier, not grasped, or had slurred over. None of us can claim
any authority. We can only hope that the fervor for its great value that
some show, reproduces itself in us if we cultivate it, and then, if we try
to enthuse and encourage others to do the same for themselves. We need to
become "Leaders" only unto ourselves." 

So my plea was indeed to "soften the blow." And if possible, deflect the
fruitless discussion of personalities, and the impossible task of
disentangling their real motives yesterday -- today, as it is, for example,
for me to relive every instant of my own life, or my friend's life and
decisions, up to date. 

Do you really think that Theosophy, I mean the RECORD OF THE AGES, is going
to be altered by our work, and opinions or arguments, in the here and now,
or not?  

Is Karma, and is Reincarnation going to halt? Is the general and universal
process of evolution going to shudder to a standstill, because of the
actions performed, after HPB left the scene, by individuals who ought to
have humbly and sincerely followed their Teacher's example?

I say: re-read the documents of the history of the THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT --
they are there for all to study. And lets stop offering unsupported
personal opinions if they have no future. 

Best wishes,

Dallas

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

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

From: Bart
Sent: Monday, July 26, 2004 7:41 AM
To: 
Subject: Re: Critical works

Dallas TenBroeck wrote:

> I am sorry to have to write this. I do not wish to enter any controversy
> but prefer to make some facts perfectly plain -- some facts that every one
> of who reads this can verify for themselves.

I had some sarcastic replies ready here, but I decided to ask you straight.

Is that statement really correct, or were you just trying to cushion the
blow? Because for someone who doesn't wish to enter controversy, you 
have a habit of wading right in (admittedly with pretty good arguments).

Bart