Theos-Talk Archives (April 2005 Message tt00155)

H.P. Blavatsky wrote:

". . . A new and rapidly growing danger. . . is 
threatening . . . the spread of the pure Esoteric 
Philosophy and knowledge. . . . I allude to those 
charlatanesque imitations of Occultism and Theosophy
. . . . By pandering to the prejudices of people, 
and especially by adopting the false ideas of a 
personal God and a personal, carnalized Saviour, 
as the groundwork of their teaching, the leaders 
of this 'swindle' (for such it is) are endeavoring 
to draw men to them and in particular to turn 
Theosophists from the true path."
". . . A close examination will assuredly reveal. . . 
materials largely stolen . . . from Theosophical 
writings. . . [and] distorted and falsified so as to be palmed off 
on the unwary as revelations of new and undreamed of truths. But 
many will neither have the time nor the opportunity for such a 
thorough investigation; and before they become aware of the 
imposture they may be led far from the Truth. . . . Nothing is more 
dangerous to Esoteric Truth than the garbled and distorted versions 
disfigured to suit the prejudices and tastes of men in general." 
H. P. Blavatsky, E.S. Instruction No. I., 1889. 

Now is Mme. Blavatsky here trying to set up a
"dogma" by contrasting "garbled and distorted versions"
of Esoteric Truth (Theosophy) with pure Esoteric 
Philosophy? Again notice she writes about "the Truth"
and contrasts that with reference to "false ideas."

Surely one should avoid setting up Theosophical "dogmas"
but should one not ALSO avoid "Charlatanesque Imitations of 
Occultism and Theosophy"/"garbled and distorted versions" of 
Theosophy?

Daniel