Theos-Talk Archives (December 2005 Message tt00280)

12/24/2005 3:08 AM

RE: Trolls -- Theosophical Philosophy and "Theosophical History."

Dear Friends:

		
There is a saying that runs:

"When ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise."


I believe it important that THEOSOPHY (as presented to us by HPB, and the
Masters of Wisdom) ought not to be confused with the doings of the
THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.

THEOSOPHY in the past 131 years (since 1875) has become diffused in one way
or another through our world and has greatly influenced modern thought. It
is not confined to the THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.
 
--------------------------

If anyone desires to make a useful offering to a list of modern students for
consideration, should it not be based on knowledge - I mean: to clearly
marked sources which all can access?

Should not such sources, references and bases be clearly and invariably
offered?


1

If we are dealing with the PHILOSOPHY of THEOSOPHY :

it seems to me reasonable that at least The KEY TO THEOSOPHY ought
to have been read, nay, STUDIED in depth --

additionally, some familiarity with the SECRET DOCTRINE, ISIS
UNVEILED and the usage of the THEOSOPHICAL GLOSSARY ought to be
evident.  


2

If we are seeking for "Soul-Wisdom," should we not also be deeply
familiar with 
The VOICE OF THE SILENCE ?


3

If we are going to deal with the HISTORY of the THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY 

it seems reasonable to me we ought to be able to use the valuable
information given consecutively in the 18 volumes of 

Blavatsky: COLLECTED WORKS, [T P H ]  

[The 1st Vol. deals clearly with the formation of the THEOSOPHICAL
SOCIETY.]


and additionally, with the documentary history titled:

THE THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT (1875-1950); 530+ pages [$ 6.00]
[available: THEOSOPHY COMPANY, Los Angeles. ]


A few students have actually read through (and re-verified facts
from): --

THEOSOPHIST [ 1879 to date ]	126 volumes
THE PATH	[ 1886 - 1896 ] 10
"
LUCIFER	[ 1887 - 2007 ]	20 "
THEOSOPHY ( L A )	[ 1912 to date ]	83
"
THE THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT 
(Bombay Magazine)	[ 1930 to date ]	75
"
FOHAT	[ 1996 to date ]	9 "
H. P. B. S. Cranston	[1993 Tarcher]
1

and dozens of books and pamphlets relating to the work done in studying and
promulgating THEOSOPHY since ISIS UNVEILED was issued in 1877.
[Particularly, a CD issued by the Manila THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY that includes
much of the above.]

Questions concerning facts, and opinions concerning interpretations, are
always welcome, but statements that display ignorance or prejudice, ought to
be curtailed as far as possible.

I trust this opinion may be found useful.

Best wishes,


Dallas

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

-----Original Message-----
From: plcoles1
Sent: Friday, December 23, 2005 6:57 PM
To: Subject: Re: Trolls

Hi All,

This issue of `trolls' on the internet seems to keep coming up.

What is fair and reasonable argument?
What methods are acceptable and what are not?

I would suggest that being part of a theosophical internet group any
hypnotises put 
forward should be open to reasoned challenge and debate.

If we put forward a proposition and the logic in it is flawed, is it not
reasonable and 
acceptable for others to point out these inconsistencies out and ask for
clarification?

If we are voluntarily coming onto this group and making statements be they
historical, 
philosophical or otherwise, should we not expect those statements if
inconsistent or 
flawed, to be challenged?

In other what is the line one crosses from using genuine and legitimate
philosophical tools 
of debate and logic, to being a `troll'.
 
As a suggestion can't we as group put forward a set of rules for what is and
what is not 
acceptable behaviour and practice in this group.

If `trolling' is a problem then perhaps it can be first identified and then
the moderator of 
the group deal with it appropriately according to whatever rules we as a
group come to 
consensus over.

Just a suggestion 

Best wishes to you and to all for Christmas !

Perry