Theos-Talk Archives (October 2004 Message tt00430)

Oct 31 2004

Dear M:

I don't think much will ever be accomplished if we sit waiting for others to
work for us. It is our effort that counts in the long run. We have to
first assure ourselves that we are fundamentally immortal spiritual beings
in our core of cores. And that our mission in life, and in the course of
many lives, is to work with and for others.

If we desire some kind of recognition or a "spiritual degree of advancement
and favor" we are most likely to be dissatisfied. The reason is that
spiritual action by all human beings is an index of their maturity. We are
trying to place ourselves, all of us, in that position. 

Now, as to the history of the defence of THEOSOPHY :

If you trace back through the pages of the early magazines: LUCIFER, PATH,
THEOSOPHIST, you will find that notice is paid to attempts by the founders
and other individuals to defend both THEOSOPHY and the Masters who gave it
to us to use, test, apply and study.

A large number of articles and books of assistance along these lines were
written during the intense foundation period between 1875 and 1896 -- 21
years. Our advantage, these days, is that they are available for us to read,
study and test. 

We at present have the advantage of being able to look into that past
history and see how the attempts that have continued without interruption
since then have fared. I would say that successes outweigh the failures.  

The infamous "Hodgson's Report" published by the SPR (1884-5) has been
acknowledged to be false and ill intentioned. 

The evidence of Master's letters being produced by a process unknown then to
science of her days has been demonstrated by Dr. Harisson in his Monograph.
T S A publishers) 

The attack by Dr. Coues on HPB's character and reputation, as well as that
by V. Soloviof issued after her death (1891) have been proved fabrications
and entirely false.

The coherency of the whole Theosophical philosophy has been repeatedly
demonstrated logically and repeatedly.

In the matter of defence the student who aims to do this competently has to
be thoroughly familiar with the documents and history of the THEOSOPHICAL
MOVEMENT -- archives (such as those maintained by Mr. Daniel Caldwell),
and history books, such as "The THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT (1875-1950)"
(Cunningham Press, Los Angeles) are available for all to read and test. 

All attempts at defence, are, finally, always made by individuals. As I see
it, the "organizations" seem to find it difficult to act except in a few
cases.

All depends on the actual knowledge of THEOSOPHY that has been secured by
the individuals who have joined the various "bodies" called "Theosophical,
and who may write on their behalf.  

In 1909 the UNITED LODGE OF THEOSOPHISTS started its work and in 1912 the
first issue of THEOSOPHY magazine began its work of first the republication
of the old articles, and second, the publication and defence of THEOSOPHY --
and it has continued this ever since.

In Bombay, India, since 1930 the THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT magazine has joined
THEOSOPHY in this work, and the UNITED LODGE OF THEOSOPHISTS in India has
been at work for all those years up to the present.

Comparisons are odious, since they divide instead of uniting. 

The question now facing us all is: How much have we done to study and prove
THEOSOPHY is actually of very real value to ourselves, to society at large,
to our warring and factional world, and our own way of life?

For instance if we check the statutory and legislated laws relating to
personal relationships among individuals of all countries we come on a
remarkable similarity of understanding and content. There is a kind of
brotherhood there which enables citizens of any country to visit and stay in
other places without a deep knowledge of the local laws. How does that come
about? 

Do we have a very real brotherhood of Religions? Who has undertaken to
compare for themselves the ethics and morals of Christianity, Hinduism,
Buddhism, Islam, The Tao Te King, etc... If they do so they will assure
themselves of a remarkable similarity.  

THEOSOPHY states that each of these started from a reform instituted in the
past by one of the Brothers whom we know as Theosophical Adepts, and aimed
when so started, at bringing a section of the peoples of the world back to
the original and singular philosophy of life and wisdom. These great men
offered themselves, then, and dedicated their lives, to be a practical
example of that brotherhood which a true philosophy of life demands of each
one of us (then and now). 

If we think that THEOSOPHY is valuable, then how much of it are we willing
to defend, and then, -- When? And -- How?

Every advance in the "spiritual field" is done by individuals working, at
first, each alone, and then joining others with similar views and
objectives.

H P B traces this for us in her book: The KEY TO THEOSOPHY -- and much of
the practical work that theosophists can do, is outlined there. 

Knowledge is said to be "Power." Without knowledge none is able to act
effectively. But, there is for each of us a "beginning." Power is achieved
by individual effort, not by waiting for someone else to "bell the cat." 

Let us look at the information that ISIS UNVEILED and the SECRET DOCTRINE
convey. Can it be contravened or contradicted? A review of science and
thought since the days of the publication of those books (1877-1888) will
show how much THEOSOPHY has influenced thought generally, and the sciences
particularly.

Are we able to help -- In howsoever small a way?

Best wishes,

Dallas

==================================
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Morten 
Sent: Sunday, October 31, 2004 2:01 AM
To: 
Subject: Re: Jesuitism and Theosophy -- HPB contrasts



Hallo Dallas,

Thanks for your email.

It is appreciated.


You wrote quoting HPB:

"Several correspondents have written calling attention to the danger
incurred by Theosophists in raising up against themselves such virulent and
powerful foes. Some of our friends would have us keep silent on these
topics. Such is not, however, the policy of LUCIFER, nor ever will be."

And what activities are being done today in the various theosophical
groups and organisations on that issue ?

from
M. S