Theos-Talk Archives (January 2005 Message tt00725)

A student of any subject needs to look at the various different angles
and points of view of the subject they are studying.

Any writer's ideas you can only take on its own inherent consistency
and logic.
Logic may have its limits but its an important part of the process imo.
It's a safely catch against blind beliefs and just generally comes in
very handy frankly.

However cold logic without compassion can be very dangerous.

A student should be able to point out areas where they see
inconsistencies with any particular teachings and share them with
other students and not let it descend into a brawl.

And if it does check yourself, your motives and why winning an
argument may be so important to you.
It may give you an insight into your own inner workings.

However it does depend on your own approach and particular temperament
how you go about finding your own path.
Some people sit and meditate ,some use an artistic approach ect and
all these are valid paths.

For me I've found an approach of meditation and reflection on the
fundamental propositions of the secret doctrine and whether I can see
those underlying principles in evidence around and within me has been
helpful.

As HPB points out the concept of the Oneness of the ALL is really the
key we keep needing to come back to in our study.

Study and investigation doesn't mean belief but means ongoing
reflection and process.

I think the 3 objects of the TS tie in quite nicely with the 3
propositions.

First to form a nucleus of the Universal Brotherhood without any
distinctions.
This to me reflects the theosophical idea that we live in a
compassionate Kosmos and that separation is an illusion.
So I think a compassionate heart needs to be the first prerequisite to
be able to see beyond the outer appearances and into the core of being.

The second object is to encourage the study of comparative religion,
philosophy, and science.
So in order to understand the inner workings of this Kosmos we can see
the inter relationships processes and cycles, ect.

The third object is to investigate unexplained laws of Nature and the
powers latent in man.

The relationship I see with this object to the 3rd proposition in the
secret doctrine, is that as we investigate these Laws of Nature and
see the fundamental identity of all Souls with the Universal Over-soul
the latent powers become apparent especially the Spiritual Powers of
the Soul, namely compassion.

Psychic powers do come into it as well, however I would suggest they
are secondary to the Spiritual power of Compassion.

Perry