Theos-Talk Archives (October 2006 Message tt00236)

Jake,

Notice Carlos' posting at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/theos-talk/message/36361

Now Carlos brings up some interesting points in this posting.

These are legitimate issues here to be discussed.  No doubt.  And 
the more that is known about these issues, the better.  At least in
my opinion.

But if one can ask hard questions about the Egyptian Rite
and its influence on the exoteric TS Adyar, it is not
such a leap to wonder if some of what Carlos says ALSO
applies to other current esoteric/secret groups including the DES.

It was Gregory Tillett who posted some years ago on Theos-Talk
the question which reads:

What has been the role of the DES (the ULT ES organization) in the
control and/or management of the ULT?

If the Eygyptian Rite and the TS Adyar Esoteric Schools have had and 
continue to have influence on the exoteric TS Adyar, then Tillett's 
question is a natural one also to raise.

>From what Walter Carrithers and others have told me, it is certainly 
a legitimate question.

In Carlos' posting given above, he repeatedly writes 
about "misleading secrecy" as concerning the Egyptian Rite.  But 
what about "misleading secrecy" as it applies to DES? Does it 
apply?  And if so, how?  etc. etc.

Also notice another point Carlos brings up:

"I would not care to talk about that -- except for its dire 
influence on a exoteric Society created by HPB to be an open forum 
of search for Truth. And -- for the fact that its influence reaches 
all of the movement, as there is no such thing as an 'occult 
separation' among theosophical groups...."

Well, one might ask if this statement might also apply to the DES?
Especially since Carlos assures us that :

"...there is no such thing as an 'occult separation' among 
theosophical groups...."

What influence has there been?  And could it be dire or otherwise?

I hope you and Carlos are not holding the position that it is more 
than okay to discuss and even criticize one esoteric group but not 
another. 

I approach all of this as an independent thinker and student.  My 
focus has been on Blavatsky --- her writings, the writings of her 
Teachers, the history of her life, that is, material that helps one 
to understand not only the teachings but the life, claims and work 
of HPB.  As to any of the claims, teachings and groups existing 
AFTER 1891, I view them all with a healthy dose of 
skepticism...trying to have an open mind but also asking hard 
questions...certainly my association with Walter Carrithers helped 
me to see the need for such an approach.

I view all existing theosophical groups with some reservation.  
Certainly each of them have wonderful resources available, such as 
libraries of books, publishing programs.  I am convinced that the 
vast majority of people in all these groups are good sincere 
people...seekers of truth.  But having said that, I do not mean that 
I accept without question the various claims, etc. that have been 
made since 1891 by the various leaders whether from the three major 
theosophical groups today or other defunct groups such as Hargrove's 
TS, etc.   In light of all the conflicting claims and counterclaims 
it is certainly wise to approach all such claims made by whomever 
with healthy skepticism and hard questions.

That is my approach.  I don't expect anyone else to hold my view. 
People can believe or disbelieve in whatever as they so choose. 

Daniel
http://hpb.cc