Theos-Talk Archives (September 2004 Message tt00579)

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "nhcareyta" <nhcareyta@yahoo.com.au>
To: <theos-talk@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, September 20, 2004 11:41 PM
Subject: Theos-World Credibility of writers and writings in search for truth


> Certain issues, important to some contributors, are beginning to be
> casually dismissed and even belittled by others. Comments such
> as "round and round" and "...good and informative posts like these
> from you two keep me ever hopeful" seem to be examples of this. If
> meant in this manner, these are unfortunate responses and lack
> respect and encouragement for those deeply concerned with discovering
> the truths of life through Theosophical writings.
My comments were not meant in this manner. Your judgement of me based on a 
couple of lines in an e-mail is misguided.


> For those on the jnana path of study, a sincere search requires
> careful analysis, comparison and sensitive discernment of the
> available literature. The credibility of this literature then becomes
> critical to the genuine student. Determining credibility involves a
> multi-faceted approach. Social, cultural and historical perspectives
> need to be considered as does an investigation where possible into
> the perceived nature and motivation of the minds of those claiming to
> be teachers. A study of reputation and lifestyle can help in
> determining whether the said teachers live by the ideals and ideas
> they profess.
> These areas of research, whilst not necessarily conclusive or
> ultimately determinant, nonetheless can lead students towards a
> deeper apprehension of the truths they seek. Where any or all of
> these perspectives are determined to be seriously compromised,
> including the discovery of blatant and persistent falsehoods over a
> number of decades, deliberate and devious manipulation of students
> and demonstrably unconscionable behaviour towards children, this must
> call into question the veracity of those writers' works.
> Those students claiming to be on the jnana path of study who do not
> concern themselves with these matters may perhaps be considered
> unconcerned with the truthfulness, honesty and respectability of the
> writer and more interested in simplicity and blind belief.


> In saying all this however, these considerations do not invalidate
> the value of a person's life of service. Some highly controversial
> figures have made generous and significant contributions towards the
> relief of suffering. Whilst this is undisputed, some of their
> writings must be.
> Nigel
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