Theos-Talk Archives (January 2005 Message tt00514)

Hi,

Criticism in general is hardly allowed in most of the theosophical
publications. There is a general sense that criticism doesn't help.
Not that I agree with this, but your suggestion that this is peculiar
to the writings of Besant and Leadbeater is unfair. You also won't
find criticism of Blavatsky, Alice Bailey, Krishnamurti, in a
theosophical publication either. This is generally avoided. Quest
recently had an article that was critical (though nuanced) on
Gurdjieff so the tide may be turning... Pedro Oliveira did have an
article published in which he critisized following HPB
UNQUESTIONINGLY, but that isn't the same thing as a critical article
on HPB, as I'm sure the editors realized. 

Students are left to themselves to find out what is true and in lodges
and studygroups of course study will end up also comparing doctrines,
where relevant. 

The TS-Adyar (the TS-Pasadena at present does the same thing: that is,
not criticising in general) simply attempts to be impartial, which is
indeed one of its objectives, IMO. [not in letter, but in spirit]. 

I've said this before and I'll say this again: theosophists within the
TS-Adyar that I've met study Blavatsky far more than they do Besant or
Leadbeater. So if the books written by the latter are still
best-sellers it is due to their popularity outside the TS. 

Also: Besant's and Leadbeater's books don't contain merely rubbish.
Chakra's, aura's, thought-transferrence etc. are facts of life,
esoteric facts, but facts. Blavatsky hinted at their existence and
Leadbeater and Besant elaborated on that and were largely correct
about them(though incorrect in details). Anand's quotes as sent to the
Young-theosophist forum (and perhaps here as well, I haven't checked
yet) show that Leadbeater was inconsistent with Blavatsky and the
Mahatmas on details, but that he also presented many doctrines
truthfully in general. 

Katinka Hesselink
--- In theos-talk@yahoogroups.com, "krishtar" <krishtar_a@b...> wrote:
> Hi Friend
> Just a comment:
> I think probably there must be a very important reason for the Adyar
HQ to act this way.Not accessible for discussion.
> Maybe because people feel more indentified with CWLīs versions and
perhaps find easier to study his version of theosophy?
> And this facility on atracting more people to the society gives the
HQ an expressive good number of subscriptions and active members and
for this reason they decide to live it quiet?
> The reason may be just financial.
> His teachings are like sugar to ants.
> Another example:
> In Brazil spiritism is an ever growing religion just because their
proclamed beliefs are very easy to accept because the allan Kardec
books put a great inportance and santifies the life of suffering,
giving people a relief based on the creed of continuation of life from
where it stopped on earth.
> Most of Leadbeaterīs beliefs are based on his clairvoyant very
personal view of Theosophy and they atract more people just as the
instant-food atracts people who donīt like to cook.
> Rough example but it works.
> 
> Krishtar
> 
> PS.:A local curious example: The recent brasilian translation of the
book " A glimpse at the freemasonry history " by CWL under the
auspices had among other particularities an editorīs prologue as "
Leadbeater was inicitated by one of the major occultists of the
century, the remakable woman H P Blavatsky ".
>
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: Perry Coles 
> To: theos-talk@yahoogroups.com 
> Sent: Monday, January 17, 2005 2:54 AM
> Subject: Theos-World Why continue to challenge?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> The reason I think this is an issue worthy of discussion on this list 
> is for the follow reasons.
> 
> Leadbeater's version of theosophy is still actively promoted in the 
> Adyar societies publications.
> His teachings are apparently not allowed to be compared critically 
> with the teachings of 
> H P.Blavatsky and her those given in the Mahatma letters in Adyar 
> theosophical journals and publications.
> 
> If this is the case it flies in the face of everything the society is 
> supposed to stand for.
> Namely freedom of enquiry and research for theosophical students.
> 
> This is an issue that will not go away until it is dealt with by the 
> Adyar Societies leaders.
> If the Society does not support this basic and fundamental principal 
> how can it claim to be upholding both the 3 objects and the freedom 
> of thought statement?
> 
> The issue for me is the principle of freedom of thought being upheld. 
> Let Leadbeater's teachings stand on there own merits why apparently 
> protect them from comparison?
> A dogma is a teaching that can't be challenged.
> Have Leadbeater's teachings assumed the status of dogma in the 
> society?
> It would seem so.
> 
> Leadbeater's shady personal life and history are issues that people 
> need to investigate and access for themselves and if these issues 
> can't be discussed here, where else?
> 
> There is no excuse for the blocking of commentary and comparison of 
> Leadbeaters teachings with those of the earlier teachings of 
> Blavatsky and the Mahatma letters however.
> 
> Still waiting for positive confirmation that this is not the case 
> officially from the society.
> 
> So far haven't heard a whisper.
> 
> Leadbeater may be dead and gone but his influence and teachings live 
> on and remain beyond the reach of any criticism in the society.
> Quite outrageous..... I find it hard to believe this situation is 
> just ignored and brushed under the carpet after all these 
> years......I am still flabbergasted by the whole scenario.
> 
> The big question for me is do I just drop it and forget about it 
> and 'get over it' as they say, or would that just a cop out on my 
> part???
> 
> The way of the bully (and the pedophile for that matter) is one of 
> disempowerment.
> A bully is a bully is a bully, passive aggressive or otherwise if I 
> give into the bully then I have to start dancing to his/her tune.
> Maybe I've answered my own question.
> 
> 
> 
> Perry