Theos-Talk Archives (August 2006 Message tt00353)

--- In theos-talk@yahoogroups.com, "W.Dallas TenBroeck" 
<dalval14@...> wrote:
>
> 8/10/2006 5:47 AM
> 
>  
> 
>             Re: RECENT HISTORY
> 
>  
> 
> As I see it:
> 
>  
> 
> If we are immortal MONADS then the temporary history and the up and 
downs of
> the various  theosophical entities (and individuals)  -- being in 
our past,
> cannot be changed.
> 
>  
> 
> The fact we are immortals and have together lived an incredible 
series of
> past lives, we are a band of PERFECTION seeking BROTHERS.  So we 
are united
> :  past, present and future.  
> 
>  
> 
> What kind of Karma are be building together?
> 
>  
> 
> Everything we say or do, inevitably affects all around us.   So let 
us,
> together  -- no gossip, recriminations etc.  Let us all look to 
construct a
> better FUTURE in all we do today.
> 
>  
> 
> For those interested in the PAST, there are copies of documents to 
be read.
> 
>  
> 
> Each makes up their own mind in any case.
> 
>  
> 
> I would call most of the attempts to frame opinions, or change 
them, quite
> fruitless and useless.
> 
>  
> 
> So, why not lets all get along with the study of THEOSOPHY ?  Is it 
not
> worthy?  What challenges us?
> 
>  
> 
> That kind of study, is time well spent in my opinion, and let us 
share our
> questions and discoveries with each other.
> 
>  
> 
> Best wishes,
> 
>  
> 
> Dallas


Dear Dallas

Thank you for your words on the ideal to which we might all wish to 
aspire. Please allow me to offer a few comments.
In our search for understanding of ourselves and the Kosmos, we 
usually begin by asking questions from our particular 
predispositions, often driven unconsciously at first by our skandhas.
Some of us will be satisfied solely with scientific rationale, others 
with religion, still others with any one of the innumerable "new, new 
age" options, be they healing, psychic development, astrology, astral 
projection etc. The remainder who are unsatisfied or unfulfilled by 
the aforementioned can often gravitate towards one or other form of 
theosophy.
And here the questioning perhaps needs to become a little more 
focused, because not all theosophy is the same. Certainly, the three 
fundamental propositions are inviolate in most versions, but from 
this departure point theosophy has been presented in a number of 
different forms, some being significantly at variance and even 
contradictory to the Theosophy of the Mahatmas and Madame H.P. 
Blavatsky. Many new students do not realise this and grasp onto the 
first version they come across, sometimes becoming strong defenders 
of "their" particular tradition.
Other students, for one reason or another, continue to question their 
introductory version. For them, merely accepting what their leaders, 
teachers and writers have espoused is insufficient. There can be an 
inner need to further investigate the authenticity of the information 
and its veracity. 
This is where matters become more significant as those students may 
begin to discover that the "original" Theosophy of Madame Blavatsky 
and her teachers is not only about releasing a new body of 
information to be learned, remembered and regurgitated at will. The 
method in which their version was released in written form was also 
intended to bring about a new way of thinking, where the religious 
method of blind following was to be replaced by a spirit of 
individual, ongoing inquiry. Neither Madame Blavatsky nor her 
teachers proclaimed perfect knowledge. Furthermore, they stated that 
only a corner of the veil of Truth was being lifted. So this ever 
open mindset, based in an honest and humble approach, seems to be 
what they were encouraging. For them, humanity had been deluded for 
too long into blindly believing "authority" figures.
As students inquire further, they may discover that humility and 
honesty was not always the approach or method of certain leaders and 
writers who succeeded Blavatsky. As mentioned, students may also 
begin to discover variances and contradictions from the "original" 
writings. In discovering this, the issues of credibility and 
authenticity of both theosophical information and its proponents can 
become paramount. 
To mount an effective investigation into credibility and 
authenticity, the study of theosophical history, in terms of  its 
teachings and personages, is perhaps indispensable. 
And herein lies the root of our debates between the proponents of the 
various Theosophical organisations throughout the world, and here on 
theostalk. If we have differing versions of theosophy, which has the 
greater credibility? If we have leaders, writers and teachers who 
have been honest and truthful, and those who clearly have not, in 
whom do we place our trust? 
Until we become Adepts with profound insight and wisdom, these 
questions seem  to be of vital significance if we are to accept 
Madame Blavatsky's challenge to truly and without prejudice think for 
ourselves. Perhaps then we may begin the genuine journey towards 
Truth.

Very best wishes Dallas and thank you for your many postings.
Kind regards
Nigel     
 

















> 
>  
> 
> ============================
> 
>  
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: plcoles1
> Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2006 5:28 AM
> To: 
> Subject: Re: PERRY BARRED FROM ADYAR TS AND THE TRUCE ON THEOSTALK
> 
>  
> 
> Hello Nigel,
> 
> You wrote :
> 
> "We are in a state of "truce" here on theostalk and a truce is held 
in
> an attempt to bring about peace. In this spirit, there can only be
> lasting and genuine peace where such principles as openness, 
honesty,
> truth, freedom and trust are sincerely attempted by all parties in 
an
> atmosphere of mutual care and concern."
> 
> To me this statement pretty much sums it up, deeper reflection 
> on these types of issues is an important part of the spiritual 
> journey.
> 
> Thanks very much for your insightful comments!
> 
> Regards
> 
> Perry
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>