DEAR PAUL AND PERRY
AS I AM 12 HOURS BEHIND YOU OR 12 HOURS IN FRONT OF YOU, MY REPLIES ARE
NEVER ON TIME.
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.
CASS: I AGREE WITH YOU AND SOCRATES HERE, ALL I KNOW IS THAT I KNOW
NOTHING. LIFE IS A PARADOX, IN THIS LIFE WE LEARN MORE FROM WHAT WAS
WRONG THAN WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS RIGHT.
kpauljohnson <kpauljohnson@yahoo.com> wrote:
--- In theos-talk@yahoogroups.com, "Perry Coles"
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?
I WOULD THINK THAT A MINDSET THAT IS FREE IS ABLE TO genuinely
look at a long held belief or firmly entrenched idea completely
differently and freshly?
AND REJECT IT IF NECESSARY?
And what characterizes such a mindset? I would say it requires
caring more about finding truth than about proving one's belief
system.
CASS; FOR ME IT IS BEING TOTALLY HONEST WITH MYSELF.
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.
CASS:I AGREE, THAT IS WHY IF OUR IDEAS ARE CONSTANTLY CHANGING THEN OUR
IDENTIFY IS DOING THE SAME THING. OUR BELIEFS ARE TIED UP IN OUR
IDENTITY. DEVOTIONAL FEELINGS TOWARDS ANY AUTHORITY CAN LEAD US AWAY FROM
THE TRUTH.
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.
CASS; ABSOLUTELY, AND EVEN MORE SO, IF THEY "DIE FOR OUR SINS"
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.
CASS; I'M IN THAT CHORUS
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.
CASS: I'M IN THAT CHORUS
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.
CASS: IF WE DISCOVER THAT ALL WE HAVE BEEN READING AND WANTING TO BELIEVE
IN IS A FARCE, THEN TAKING THE POSITIVE ATTITUDE, I HAVE LEARNT TO
DISCRIMINATE.
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.
CASS: EVERY BEEN TO UNI- IT IS A REGURGITATION FORUM FOR PRE-EXISTING
TAUGHT IDEAS ON ACADEMIA.
CASS
Cheers,
Paul
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