Theos-Talk Archives (March 2005 Message tt00612)

Mar 27 2005

RE:: Different forms of presentation of the Ancient Wisdom


Dear Anand:

We each have our methods of research, of study and of promulgating. They assist us all if we are true to TRUTH.

To me, THEOSOPHY is found outlined in the ORIGINAL LITERATURE. HPB creditsthe Rishis, the Mahatmas, the Elder Brothers of Humanity with delivering THEOSOPHY as a "message" through her.  

This work began in 1875; and that which we study is based on those statements ever since then, of course taking the past into consideration, as THEOSOPHY is not only a philosophy that is age-old, but also a history of ancient laws and facts in Nature -- which everyone can check independently.

What you have been quoting are the ideas and opinions of students who came later than HPB, and, on review (which everyone ought to do) we find they have not adhered to the explanations the Mahatmas originally gave. Are they wiser than the Rishis? 

Nature is a synonym for the UNIVERSE and this includes every aspect of lifeand of living, past, present and future. Its Laws are invariable, no matter how they are expressed. 

The Universe is an interlocking and coherent WHOLE. Its Laws are immutable and designed, in their sensitive operation, to give support and due comfortto each and every living entity (including mankind) that exists -- from the sub-atom to the never-ending limits of the Galaxies. When these conditions are violated or disturbed, it acts as Karma to restore harmony and justice -- and simultaneously, teach the ill-doer the error of his choices. Thiscauses pain and suffering in all cases and ways until restitution or mitigation is complete.

In your case how can you speak of Hindu Philosophy without the Vedas and the Upanishads? How could a Buddhist speak of Buddhism without the DHAMMAPADA ? 

How can a student of THEOSOPHY speak of THEOSOPHY without referring to basic and fundamental texts, like the SECRET DOCTRINE, The VOICE OF THE SILENCE, or The KEY TO THEOSOPHY? 

I find the BHAGAVAD GITA of tremendous value.

What is the matter with "authority?" When all is said and done, every one of us makes our own decisions. We do that freely and independently. I have always respected "authorities" who freely invite their statements to be cross checked. What they write or say carries the basic references that apply to such matters as are discussed. In this way we all help each other and no one appears, or pretends to be : "superior."  

How do we do that? We think over the alternatives offered, and select those that are reasonable. We are responsible for such selections.  

"Authority" does not count, but reason and logic and a fair and true universality of basic facts does count. You will notice that in all good textbooks references are given -- to assist students. I make it a point to do this, because, while THEOSOPHY supports itself, students are due the respect implied in inviting them to double check anyone who writes on such importantsubjects. 

It is notable that THEOSOPHY always suggests we employ our own initiative and do our own research before we adopt or accept any proposition. Then, wehave to freely share it with others.  

Mathematics is a good example of this, and everyone of us at school has proved its basic propositions again and again. We don't feel upset when this is referred to. Why then should we feel upset, when in THEOSOPHY we refer to, say, the THREE FUNDAMENTALS of the SECRET DOCTRINE (Vol. I, pp 14 -19), to Karma, to Reincarnation, to "Brotherhood and Solidarity," and to the" 7 principles of Man and Nature" ?

If we know them, then we ought to always apply them -- right ?

How could we have Science without measurement and mathematics -- and a careful research into the rules, laws, history and establishments of Nature inthe areas of physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, medicine, geography, geology, astronomy, sociology, etc....  

It is Science that insists on Laws (so does THEOSOPHY ) , and the invariable repetitive proofs so needed to establish the tenure of its doctrines and theories. 

What would be the best of these? I think all are necessary, and there is danger in making selections unless those can be shown, on demand, to be reasonable and compatible with the whole of operating Nature.  

One ought to always bear in mind that Nature got here long before we were born and has been sustaining life in all beings for an extremely long time. THEOSOPHY is said to be a description of these processes. [see S D I 272-3] 

If we don't study or at least read what THEOSOPHY has to say, I think we are in a dangerous position to speak or write about it.  

You quote various texts, and so do I, so let's see which are the most impersonally useful, and extract from those such principles, rules and laws thatcan help us -- so we can all apply appropriate ones fearlessly.  

I agree that the Higher Self is also the SELF OF ALL -- As Sri Krishna says in the BHAGAVAD GITA (Ch. 10, v. 20): "I am the Ego seated in the hearts of all beings."  

Therefore this HIGHER SELF is also in every one of us.  

The great question is: How do we approach it?  

What do we do with its instructions if we secure them? I find in TRANSACTIONS OF THE BLAVATSKY LODGE (pp. 62 - 70) there is a method spoken of we could all take advantage of. [Blavatsky: COLLECTED WORKS, Vol. 10, pp. 248 - 255] 

Sri Krishna was not only an Avatar of the PRESERVER OF ALL, but was also a "Buddha" -- a "Wise One," and a "Rishi" of ancient India.  

In the S D, Vol. I, pp. 207-8 there is an important reference to the GREATSACRIFICE -- and it might seem to indicate that these immortal, wise personages are the ones we need to refer to and respect. 

We find it said in The VOICE OF THE SILENCE :

"Look inward, thou art Buddha."  

The Universal SPIRIT -- the ATMA is interior, and not outside of anyone of us. 


Best wishes, 

Dallas
 
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-----Original Message-----
From: Anand 
Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2005 11:51 AM
To: 
Subject: Re: Different forms of presentation of the Ancient Wisdom



Dallas,
You don't need to check every fact if it agrees with HPB and Masters. 
God has given you head and higher self to illuminate your mind. So 
don't depend on external authority like HPB or Masters too much. For 
information purpose reading is OK. But you must learn from higher 
self and use your judgement.
Anand Gholap
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