Theos-Talk Archives (November 2004 Message tt00232)

Hello Dallas,

My responses below:

W.Dallas TenBroeck wrote:

> Nov 17 2004
>
> Dear J:
>
> Yes it is interesting, words are so important but understanding is another
> factor needing tolerance and latitude. Perhaps that is one reason that I
> use the old "original" writings so much. Its not that I don't think a lot
> about their meaning, but since I have found their meanings impersonal and
> universal, I prefer using those to my own in some cases.
On the other hand, since I have also read and re-read all of the 
"Original" writings, I'm more interested in leaning about what you got 
out of them, then to merely read your transcriptions of them, or to have 
you tell me to read them again.

> In any event, I have made 2 general postings today, which underline this
> view
> Do look them over please.
I'm already familiar with these articles. Instead of my re-reading them 
and trying to divine what relevance you have attributed to them, at this 
time, I would rather if you just come out and tell us in your own words. 
Then we would have something to reply to. 
> "Thinking" is not the word that I would choose. Rather, meditation 
> itself is more of a process of observing, experiencing, realizing and 
> being in the present. There are, of course, little exercises that 
> meditators do that involve what we ordinarily call "thinking." For 
> instance there is something called "a loving kindness meditation" where 
> one "sends good thoughts" to people--particularly those whom we might 
> dislike for some reason. Such exercises are designed to "soften the 
> heart" so to speak. But even here, these are very focused exercises. 
> ==============================
>
> DTB	I prefer a very impersonal and unemotional approach. If we are
> looking for "truth" then our feelings help little. The mind has to adduce
> great and basic ideas. I find plenty of those and explanations in the
> SECRET DOCTRINE for instance as well as elsewhere in the Masters' writings.
>
> ==================================
Emotions are a part of the human condition. Insight meditation teaches 
one to RECOGNIZE emotions as well as thoughts for what they are. 
Observing these phenomena in meditation is a very different experience 
than merely reading about them. Actually observing the phenomena gives 
first hand knowledge. Reading about them in a Theosophy book, or 
anywhere else, is vicarious knowledge. The "truth" that I believe you 
have in mind, is neither a function of thought nor of emotion. 
Meditation takes one much deeper than these.

> ==================================
>
> DTB	Thanks for all those good definitions -- an excellent review of
> current thought development and definitions attached to that progress.
>
> I think THEOSOPHY is far deeper and covers much more ground.
>
>
> It is possible that "post modern" is a term employed to indicate changes in
> linear ideas accepted and considered -- in contrast to the phrases and
> explanations of say 150 to 50 years ago, -- the levels of formal basic
> education have also been changed and "simplified." "Dumming us down" -- I
> object to. It places youth at a distinct disadvantage. 
> ==================================
It appears that again we have a communication gap. My presentation 
concerned a social phenomena--a shift in thinking which is (among other 
things) relevant to howone may effectively communicate Theosophy. 
Education has indeed changed, however, I don't know what you mean by 
"simplified" or "dumming us down." There is a lot of political hay 
being made about our public educational system. Much of it is motivated 
by politicians who want to dismantle the public educational system and 
shift funding to private parochial schools. The "talking points" you 
hear in the media has no more to do with what is really going on than 
the talking points that were used in the recent Presidential debate. My 
wife presently teaches in the California State University system; I have 
also taught there; I have taken educational courses relevant to primary 
education, and used that opportunity to sit in on Jr. High and High 
School classes; interviewed the teachers and administrative staff; and 
did some student teaching at the High school level. So I have a little 
more of an inside view on these matters than most. Perhaps you can 
elaborate your points here so that we can discuss them.

Best wishes
Jerry