Theos-Talk Archives (May 2005 Message tt00415)

Obviously, smoking tobacco seems to have its place. Just read the following 
account of how Schmiechen painted the portrairs of the Masters. You can 
make up your own mind.

MKR
===================================================

As had been promised by the Mahatmas, Mr. Schmiechen, a young German artist 
then residing in London, was to paint their portraits. And, at the 
appointed time, a number of Theosophists gathered at his studio. Chief 
among Mr. Schmiechen's guests at that first sitting was H. P. B. who 
occupied a seat facing a platform on which was his easel. Near him on the 
platform sat several persons, all of them women, with one exception. About 
the room were grouped a number of well-known people, all equally interested 
in the attempt to be made by Mr. Schmiechen. The most clearly defined 
memory of that gathering, always in the mind of the writer, is the picture 
of Madame Blavatsky placidly smoking cigarettes in her easy chair and two 
women on the platform who were smoking also. She had "ordered" one of these 
women to make a cigarette and smoke it, and the order was obeyed though 
with great hesitation, for it was a first attempt and even the mild 
Egyptian tobacco used was expected to produce nausea. H. P. B. promised 
that no such result would follow, and encouraged by Mrs. Sinnett, who was 
also smoking, the cigarette was lighted. The result was a curious quieting 
of nerves, and, soon all interest was lost in the group of people about the 
room, and only the easel and the hand of the artist absorbed her attention.

Strange to relate that though the amateur smoker considered herself an 
onlooker it was her voice which uttered the word "beginner," and the artist 
quickly began outlining a head. Soon the eyes of everyone present were upon 
him as he worked with extreme rapidity. While quiet reigned in the studio 
and all were eagerly interested in Mr. Schmiechen's work, the amateur 
smoker on the platform saw the figure of a man outline itself beside the 
easel and, while the artist with head bent over his work continued his 
outlining, it stood by him without a sign or motion. She leaned over to her 
friend and whispered: "It is the Master K. H.; he is being sketched. He is 
standing near Mr. Schmiechen."

"Describe his looks and dress," called out H. P. B. And while those in the 
room were wondering over Madame Blavatsky's exclamation, the woman 
addressed said: "He is about Mohini's height; slight of build; wonderful 
face full of light and animation; flowing curly black hair, over which is 
worn a soft cap. He is a symphony in greys and blues. His dress is that of 
a Hindu - though it is far finer and richer than any I have ever seen 
before - and there is fur trimming about his costume. It is his picture 
that is being made, and he himself is guiding the work."

Mohini, whom all present regarded with love and respect as the gifted 
disciple of the revered Masters, had been walking slowly to and fro with 
his hands behind him, and seemed absorbed in thought. Few noticed his 
movements, for he was at the back part of the large apartment and his 
footsteps were noiseless. But the amateur smoker had followed his movements 
with earnest glances, for she was noting a similarity of form between the 
psychic figure of the Master and himself, and, as well, a striking 
resemblance in their manner....................................

At 08:17 AM 05/14/05 +0400, you wrote:

> Saturday, May 14, 2005, 3:28:41 AM, Mark wrote:
>
> > But for someone who is a master and inherently perfect in a certain
> > sense, would it actually matter? Nicotine is a stimulant; perhaps it
> > helped Morya or Morya's vehicle in some fashion.
>
> Of course, everything is possible, but I've never seen an endorsement
> of nicotine in any theosophical sources, and I saw a statement that M.
> smoked a "special preparation with ozone", whatever that might mean,
> and definitely NOT tobacco or any other narcotic stuff. But since that
> statement doesn't come from a "canonical" source, I'd like to find
> some other proof (or disproof) of it.
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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