Theos-Talk Archives (January 2005 Message tt00037)

--- In theos-talk@yahoogroups.com, "Perry Coles" <perrycoles@y...> 
wrote:
> 
> My own approach to the study of not only theosophy but any subject 
is to remember that as much as you may know or think you know 
something for one thing you may be completely wrong and for another 
there is always an endless amount more to discover.
> 
Hi Perry,

That approach is certainly harmonious with the attitudes of HPB if 
not of her most ardent admirers.

> The key for me is what kind of mindset is it that is being 
developed in me. Is it a mindset that is always able to genuinely 
look at a long held belief or firmly entrenched idea completely 
differently and freshly?
> 

And what characterizes such a mindset? I would say it requires 
caring more about finding truth than about proving one's belief 
system. 

> Is it a mindset that is looking to be rescued and looking for
> certainty or one of fluidity and that is able to see a challenge 
to my beliefs as an opportunity rather than an affront. Very often 
our ideas become our identity and our beliefs our tower of
> security. The worship of personalities is always problematic as 
the rational mind becomes blinded by devotional feelings.
> 

Exploring history as an endless quest for new insights, rather than 
a search for final answers, seems to characterize what most 
historians actually do in practice. But for the majority of 
nonhistorians, history seems to be a subsidiary branch of religion 
or politics. Historical truths must be subservient to religious or 
political Truth. Especially so when honored personalities are 
involved.

> Any writer needs to be assessed by the credibility of what they 
write rather than our particular devotion bent we may feel towards 
them. Devotion to a personality I've found is a major trap as 
otherwise very rational and intelligent people can become completely 
irrational and sacrifice reason and more importantly compassion and 
truth at the lotus feet of devotion.
> 
They can also become actively destructive when reason and compassion 
have flown.

> As we discover more of the underbelly of our theosophical history 
with the advent of the internet and the fast tracking of information 
I hope we as theosophical students can try and look at this 
information with fresh and alert minds and not fall into the trap of 
devotional wishful thing or protectionism.
> 

Can't say I share your hope, but I do wish that it be fulfilled.


> Lets keep these dialogues open and not be afraid of constructive
> criticism or new information that we may find personally 
uncomfortable.
> 
It takes a certain amount of honesty to admit that what one is 
feeling is personal discomfort based on fear rather than righteous 
indignation based on justice.

> If we are `right' or `wrong' surely it is of secondary importance 
to a more expansive understanding. If we discover information that 
HPB and the Mahatmas were wrong we should welcome this information 
as it may set us on a clearer path.
> 
There is a big difference I've noticed in how different categories 
of people receive certain kinds of ideas. Welcoming information 
that conflicts with preexisting beliefs is as common among scholars 
as it is rare among religious and political believers.

Cheers,

Paul