Theos-Talk Archives (February 2006 Message tt00262)

I am kicking myself for getting drawn back into this, but I think it's 
important.   I want to introduce the topic of doubt into this discussion and 
how it might play a role.  To begin with HPB makes the following comment on 
doubt in "From Keshub to Maestro Wagner":

"If we are answered—as many a time we have been answered—that 
notwithstanding all, the Salvationists as well as the New Dispensationists 
are doing good, since they help to kindle the fast extinguishing fires of 
spirituality in man’s heart, we shall answer that it is not by fencing and 
dancing in grotesque attire, that this spirituality can ever be preserved; 
nor is it by thrusting one’s own special belief down a neighbour’s throat 
that he can ever be convinced of its truth. Smoke also can dim the solar 
rays, and it is well known that the most worthless materials, boldly kindled 
and energetically stirred, often throw out the densest masses of murky 
vapour. Doubt is inseparable from the constitution of man’s reasoning 
powers, and few are the men who have never doubted, whatever their sectarian 
belief; a good proof that few are quite satisfied—say what they may to the 
contrary—that it is their creed and not that of their brother which has got 
the whole truth. "

Doubt is the natural ally of reason.  The inadequacy of a position will in 
time be understood by reason and this will lead to doubt.  The secret is to 
foster that doubt so that the doubter will seek for new answers.  HPB points 
out that you do not change people's minds by ramming your own beliefs down 
their throats.  Does Daniel realize that his style of flooding leads to a 
polarization of positions in his various antagonists over-riding any 
feelings of doubt they might have?  This stops the natural progression of 
growth that was initiated by them bringing the topic up in the first place.  
Interfering in people's growth and understanding is what the priest-caste 
do.  HPB writes further on in the paragraph:

"Men have done their best to veil every beam and to replace it with the 
false glare of error and fiction; none more so than bigoted, narrow-minded 
theologians and priests of every faith, casuists and perverters through 
selfishness. It is against them, never against any religion, or the sincere 
belief of any man in whatsoever he chooses, that we have and do protest."

By cornering opponents and throwing everything he has at them, Daniel 
polarizes his opponents into a particular position thereby making them 
unwilling to consider other points.  This clouding of the air is exactly 
what the priest-cast do with the dogmas they dress their respective 
religions in.  Instead of being able to progress to loftier and more 
universal beliefs within his own religion, he is forced to leave that 
community altogether if he has the courage to do so.

The Mahatmas also write on doubt.  In ML 129 we read:

'My good friend — Shakespeare said truly that “our doubts are 
traitors.” Why should you
doubt or create in your mind ever growing monsters?'

Sometimes doubt betrays us.  This type of doubt is usually a trust issue.  
Universal Brotherhood is very difficult to practice, it is easy to doubt the 
sincerity of others.  This was the problem between Judge and Besant.  Besant 
began to doubt Judge, no doubt with the help of Olcott, and the rest as they 
say is history.  Regrettably, Besant was in a position of Occult 
responsibility, so her fall was particularly hard.  Again, Daniel's style is 
one where the lack of trust between the various Societies is preyed upon in 
order to ensure that there never is established a foundation of trust upon 
which to build consensus.  At the risk of sounding extreme, does Daniel 
realize this is a Jesuitical tactic, keep the various groups separate and 
fighting among themselves?

When writing to Sinnett about his upcoming book and its effects on the 
Spiritualists, the Master writes (ML 17):

"They will begin by rejecting — nay — vilifying it; but, it will 
find its faithful twelve and — the seed thrown by your hand into the soil of 
speculation will not grow up as a weed. So far may be promised. You are oft 
too cautious. You remind too often the reader of your ignorance; and 
presenting but as a modest theory that which at the bottom of your heart you 
know and feel to be an axiom, a primary truth — instead of helping, you but 
perplex him and — create doubt."

Now this is a very telling statement.  Sinnett is being counselled that in 
presenting his arguments in his book, that he should be forceful like he has 
full confidence in what he is saying.  The doubting Spiritualist who picks 
up the book and finds what appears to be some doubt in the writer, will 
naturally be unpersuaded ultimately by the argument.  Why should he move 
from one doubtful position to another.  Does Daniel realize that this is the 
effect his books and his website have on the seeker?  Remember, people 
seeking have to wade through a lot of different systems of thought.  If they 
stop at Theosophy and read a book of letters that councils people it is okay 
to torture cats to death in the name of occult science, what are they to 
think?  Or if they read a book on a grand occultist whose author is so 
unsure of her that he has to insert a few caveats where people argue for a 
completely different picture of HPB then it is likely they will move on.  
That is not to say that Daniel shouldn't deal with the allegations against 
HPB, but there is a place for that.  He can present papers at Theosophical 
History conferences, etc. that prove the allegations to be false, which 
seems to be what he believes.

Again we read ML 117:

"I highly approve of his coming to India, but disapprove as highly 
his fancy of bringing Mr.
C.C. Massey here. The result of the latter would be to injure the cause 
among Englishmen.
Distrust and prejudice are contagious."

Does Daniel realize that distrust is contagious?  Who do you trust on this 
site?  If you say anything controversial, you are crucified.  I don't think 
anyone is here to be attacked, they are here to find a secure environment of 
like minded individuals where they can discuss things openly and honestly.  
If you are afraid to bring up certain topics, then already we've lost.  We 
should not doubt and distrust the other members of this site, especially if 
we want it to work.  Make a place where people want to come and comment.

If I wanted to create an agent provocateur against theosophy, I would create 
someone who fostered distrust among current members and who had a weak 
enough position to foster doubt in new members.  This would effectively 
freeze any further progress along the lines of brotherhood.
Perhaps such an agent would create cynical aliases to further stir things 
up.  Is this what is happening here?  I hope not, but if it walks like a 
duck . . . , what are we to think?

Daniel, perhaps it is time to tell us what you know about Green and Hobbes?  
I am sure that you would not be betraying any trust in simply providing 
evidence of their existence?

Sincerely, Bruce

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