Theos-Talk Archives (May 2005 Message tt00141)

May 4, 2005

RE: : Question for Occultists -- What is sorcery ? (Contd.)


Dear M and Friends:

As I see it:

THEOSOPHY does not give courses or advice on personal methods of achieving
"powers." We have to prove by along course of practical work that we are
always impersonal and universal in our outlook and personal life.

In other words, dangerous and extraordinary capacities are not entrusted to
those who will abuse them. 

As an example, ask yourself: How do I get ill? How do I avoid accidents?
The answer is to have knowledge and wisdom, or : "moderation" and
"fore-thought," before taking action. 

Knowing the rules of life is most helpful, so that is what THEOSOPHY talks
about. It tries to indicate those basic ones that give true help.

It considers 

(1) every human is an immortal Mind-soul, a "life-atom." It (we)
remembers its experiences and embodies them now. 

(2)	It (we -- as an essence) cannot be killed or destroyed, but its
bodies can be hurt, and killed.

(3)	Every human draws together (by natural attraction many "life-atoms"
(Monads) of lesser experience than it has.  

It constructs over an immense period of time, the kind of body (ours) it now
wears, sensitive in flesh, feeling, emotion, mind and wisdom. 

In this we are not totally isolated but we work and live with many others of
similar rank and achievement. Together we have worked, and have already
formed our Earth and Universe. This now a new phase: One in which mind is
developed, and responsibility is earned. 

This is process and history is found to be given in detail in the SECRET
DOCTRINE.

(4)	The World we live on, and the rest of the Universe, provide like a
school-room, innumerable ranges of learning opportunities. And each life is
such as a "day" at School. We cannot learn everything in a single day, so
reincarnation of the Mind-soul provides a long time-frame for this process
We are all engaged in this. 

It (THEOSOPHY) gives a survey of the potentials of any human's capabilities.


It further states that : Every human being is a miniature universe, a
miniature of the Great Universe. It is a triune unity consisting of (1)
Spiritual Wisdom, (2) Mind (including thought, memory and psychical
sensitivity), and, (3) the physical body. [ see S D I 157, 181-2 ]

In the physical body reside, hidden away in our "spiritual nature," these
potential spiritual and psychic powers of the Great Universe.  

But the pattern of living as a whole, does not permit releasing such awesome
information to those who are unfit and unstable. This qualification (unfit
and unstable) is related to "selfishness," and the "desire to secure power
over others." however that may be expressed.   

The general RULE OF ALL LIFE is that we may individually develop and receive
an exact response from NATURE in terms of the motive we use to employ any
"power" or any information concerning the use or abuse of the secret
"powers." 

Looked on as a school project, we could say that all have to participate in
it, and few (only the "worthy") can outstrip others. Take an ordinary
example: In a laboratory, only practised and careful assistants are
welcome. They know the dangers there. They also know the rules of safety
that safeguard all. 

That the "powers" are secret is evidence of their potential danger in the
hands of those who are unpractised, ignorant or irresponsible. It also
demonstrates NATURE'S wisdom and of her care and responsible guardianship of
these.

In other plain words the UNIVERSE is morally alive, totally responsible, and
sensitive to the needs of all that lives in it -- just as your own physical
and psychic body is responsive to any stimulus, and you (the Mind-soul) are
made aware of its pleasure and / or pain in any area.  

So NATURE refuses to release information to those who might use it to hurt
or distort the lives and rights of others. Nature's "agents" follow these
directives. 

The general rule (law) is: "GOOD for good, and BAD for bad."

There is no method of mitigation, concealment or avoidance of the results of
actions based on our choices. 

The problem for each of us is the same: to learn and then to practise and
distinguish "Good" from "Bad." First comes learning, and for this patience
is needed.

The Buddha said it succinctly: "Cease from evil. Do good. This is the
universal Law." 

In the process of time NATURE teaches each of us what these differences are,
and since (as Minds) we are independent and free-willed, we have to desire
to learn and apply (honestly and accurately) on our own. In this proces we
need to learn responsibility, and thereby, to guard and cherish others as
though they were ourselves. In other words: BROTHERHOOD in made to prevail.


Some who have experienced this proces try to explain it to others. Nature
accepts them as her representatives, and thus the whole existence of our
Universe and Earth is as that of a great School. The curriculum of living is
centered about the ethical and moral effect of applying knowledge and
choosing to be "law abiding," and to do "good." 

NATURE is a word used as a synonym for our Universe, and this provides for
the well-being of every unit of life therein, mankind included.

The "lower path" is NOT occultism. It is abuse of knowledge for
self-interest. 

I hope this makes matters clearer ?

Best wishes,

Dallas

PS see notes below please

=============================
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Hamilton Jr.
Sent: Wednesday, May 04, 2005 7:19 AM
To: 
Subject: Re: : Question for Occultists -- What is sorcery ?

MH
I think there is more to it than just the user's intent; here's my opinion:

A practicing occultist usually can find 2 (or more) techniques to
achieve the same result; one would be a "lower path" and another the
"higher path". You differentiate between the two, because the higher
path is often harder to achieve, but is more reliable in the terms of
effectiveness.


DTB	YOU ARE VIEWING THIS FROM THE STAND POINT OF SINGLE LIFE TIME. 


MH
For instance, if someone just used a form of telepathy that they were
gifted with at birth, it might not be as effective as if someone
properly trained their senses to be able to use the ability. Also, the
training involved would probably increase one's self-awareness, which
is why I labeled it the higher path.

If not, can one's need for self-validation spoil their intent?   


DTB	YES


Example, if I wanted to use telepathy just to see if it does in fact
work?


DTB	It works for everyone, but most are unaware of it. 

IF DEMONSTRABLE, THEN WHAT FUTURE USE WOULD IT BE FOR ? TO PRY
INTO OTHERS' MINDS ?

-------------------------------------

-Mark H.

=============================

On 5/3/05, W.Dallas TenBroeck <dalval14@earthlink.net> wrote:
May 3 2005
 
Dear Friend Mark and others:
 
Re: SORCERY vs. ADEPTSHIP
 
TELEPATHY, ASTRAL TRAVEL, etc.
 
I find that THEOSOPHY teaches that the dividing line between sorcery and
adeptship lies in motive.
 
Broadly: The occult powers and forces are all present in Nature, they are
the same. Like the Laws of nature, they exist and are invariable, but the
reason for using them by an individual who has Knowledge depends on motive
and therefore the results will differ.
 
The question is of selfishness and isolation, vs cooperation and mutual
assistance.
 
In other words: The individual who has such Knowledge is faced with the
basic question:
 
We either live in a Universe of invariable laws, or we do not.
 
We either receive the exact effect for any cause we generate, or we do not.
 
The problem revolves around consciousness, and particularly of
self-consciousness.
 
It then proceeds to ask us: Are you considering your ultimate future?
 
CUT