Theos-Talk Archives (July 2006 Message tt00250)

Dear Eldon,

On a very few occasions here you have pointed out how special an 
opportunity this list represents for those interested in Theosophy, 
from whatever school of thought they belong to. More recently, when 
posts to the list became openly offensive and violent, you again had 
sobering words of warning to the list participants. These examples 
show to me that, as the listowner, you can make your view not only 
heard but also considered.

As you know, I have tried to make a tentative return to discussions 
on the list, while attempting to ignore the still small voice which 
said it was probably not a good idea. As usual, one of the replies 
came loaded with semi-direct accusations and inuendos. Instead of 
joining the accusatory game I have decided to write to you.

What do we have in theos-talk as a pattern these days? I will give 
you a few examples as I see them: postings telling scholars what 
they can and what they cannot write about a given subject; an 
attempt to obliterate dissent and differences of opinion through 
open bullying, intimidation and character assassination; an 
enthronization of H. P. Blavatsky as the Apostle of the Ultimate 
Truth, and a merciless hunting down of those who criticize her or 
who present controversial information about her work for 
consideration; a relentless, callous and coward victimization of the 
Theosophical Society with International Headquarters at Adyar, 
portrayed as the ultimate den of everything dark in the world; and a 
practical contempt for the essence of Theosophy - Universal 
Brotherhood without distinction.

Please allow me to quote from a well-known letter of one of the 
Teachers of Madame Blavatsky:

"It is a universally admitted fact that the marvellous success of 
the Theosophical Society in India is due entirely to its principle 
of wise and respectful toleration of each other's opinions and 
beliefs. Not even the President-Founder has the right directly or 
indirectly to interfere with the freedom of thought of the humblest 
member, least of all to seek to influence his personal opinion. It 
is only in the absence of this generous consideration, that even the 
faintest shadow of difference arms seekers after the same truth, 
otherwise earnest and sincere, with the scorpion-whip of hatred 
against their brothers, equally sincere and earnest. Deluded victims 
of distorted truth, they forget, or never knew, that discord is the 
harmony of the Universe." (ML #120, chronological sequence)

Please don't understand the above as a reaction to a personal 
attack. I am trying to express a real concern for theos-talk as a 
potential forum for theosophical dialogue. You have achieved that, 
Eldon, with the 100th issue of "Theosophy World", wherein differing 
views were expressed respectfully. Why should theos-talk be allowed 
to become a forum of intolerance, an online Inquisition room wherein 
vindictive judgements as dispensed practically everyday? Do you want 
to be part of such a list? Does it honor the magnanimous spirit of 
the Wisdom-Tradition?

With best wishes, fading hope and ubiquitous sadness,

Pedro Oliveira