Theos-Talk Archives (April 2005 Message tt00681)

April 14 2005



Dear Friends:



These ideas seem too have some value:






BELIEF and FAITH






Some good advice: possibly one of the best approaches. 



You cannot nor ever should attempt to convert others to your view point. The
more you try the more the other mind will revolt.



Instead of trying to tell others of Theosophy when their minds are not open
would be a mistake. In such cases silence, as ----- says, is the best
approach.



Theosophy is best propagated not so much by words -- though that is
necessary on appropriate occasions-- as exemplification of its principles in
life which will have a salutary effect on others.



HPB gives Tsong-Kha-Pa's teaching "From a Lamrin Compendium" on the subject
of various levels of understanding in humans. 



This ought to make us all charitable.



"Arguments, from considerations why Buddha's teaching should be explained on
three planes ; i.e., intended alike for the lowest, the mean or the middle,
and the highest capacities, since each man must believe according to his
mental qualifications.



"1. Men of vulgar capacities must believe, that there is a (personal) God,
and a future life, and that they shall earn therein the fruits of their work
in this, their earthly life.



"2. Those who have an average intellectual capacity, besides admitting the
former position, must know, that every compound thing is perishable, that
there is no reality in things ; that every sin is pain, and that deliverance
from pain or bodily existence is bliss.



"3. Those of the highest capacities must know, in addition to the above
enumerated dogmas, that from the lowest form to the Supreme Soul, nothing is
existent by itself. Neither can it be said that it will continue always
(eternally) or cease absolutely, but that everything exists by a dependent
or causal concatenation.



"With respect to practice, those of vulgar capacity are content with the
exercise of belief (blind faith) and the practice of the ten virtues (Ten
Commandments). Those of average intellectuality, besides believing, by
reason of endeavour to excel in morality and wisdom. Those of the highest
capacities, besides the former virtues, will exercise the six transcendental
virtues (practical Occultism)." 

(Theosophical Article and Notes, p. 198).







Best wishes 



Dallas





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]