Theos-Talk Archives (April 2007 Message tt00104)

--- In theos-talk@yahoogroups.com, "danielhcaldwell" 
<danielhcaldwell@...> wrote:
>
> "For our doctrines to practically react on the so called moral code 
> or the ideas of truthfulness, purity, self-denial, charity, etc., 
we 
> have to preach and popularise a knowledge of theosophy."
> 
> Quoted from a letter from the Chohan
> http://www.theosociety.org/pasadena/mahatma/ml-choh.htm
> 
> So exactly what do we preach and popularise?
> 
> Are there certain teachings that constitute this "theosophy"?  And 
if 
> so, what are these teachings?
> 
> And where do we find these teachings?  
> 
> And how do we learn them and study them so that in turn we 
> can "preach and popularise" them?
> 
> And who is "we"?  The leaders of the TS?  Elected officials of the 
> TS?  Any member of the TS?  And remember there is more than one TS 
or 
> theosophical organization or association.
> 
> Can non-members preach and popularise this theosophy?
> 
> And in this same letter, the Chohan tells us:
> 
> -------------------------------------------------
> The doctrine we promulgate being the only true one, must, -- 
> supported by such evidence as we are preparing to give become 
> ultimately triumphant as every other truth. Yet it is absolutely 
> necessary to inculcate it gradually enforcing its theories, 
> unimpeachable facts for those who know, with direct inferences 
> deducted from and corroborated by the evidence furnished by modern 
> exact science.... Theos-sophia, Divine Wisdom...is a synonym of 
> truth....
> -------------------------------------------------
> 
> This is quite a CLAIM.  
> 
> "The doctrine we promulgate being the only true one...."
> 
> So what is this DOCTRINE that is "the ONLY true one" and where can 
we 
> find an exposition of this teaching?
> 
> Is it to be found in THE SECRET DOCTRINE written by HPB?
> 
> Or can it be found in Leadbeater's and Besant's "Man, Whence, How, 
> and Whither:  A Record of Clairvoyant Investigation"?
> 
> Or in a book by Bailey?  or....in a book by Elizabeth Claire 
Prophet?
> 
> If "we" are to popularise a knowledge of Theosophy, what exactly do 
> we popularise?
> 
> Is reincarnation part of this DOCTRINE?
> 
> What if I start popularising the teaching of reincarnation that 
> includes the provision that humans can sometimes be reborn as 
> animals?  
> 
> Am I faithfully transmitting the DOCTRINE?
> 
> And who is to say that I am faithfully or not transmitting the 
> DOCTRINE?
> 
> In other words, who is to say what the REAL, TRUE "doctrine" is?
> 
> The objects of the TS doesn't tell us what the DOCTRINE is all 
about, 
> so where and how does one [an inquirer, a newcomer] discover what 
the 
> DOCTRINE is that the Chohan seems to hold in SUCH high regard?
> 
> Daniel
> http://hpb.cc

Oh Daniel,
If I may succumb to the personality for a moment. 
Where were you on the many occasions I shared these and similar 
passages and thoughts to fellow members. Mine was too often a voice 
in the wilderness as perhaps was yours. 
Your knowledgeable and logical questions above very often fell on 
deaf ears in my Lodge and Section. Most members were often more 
interested in psychic whistles and bangs, pseudo-theosophy or 
demanding their freedom to do anything and everything they chose. 
Whilst they had the right so to do, it broke the heart 
that "original" Theosophy was so often summarily dismissed or 
devalued.

It will be interesting to see how members of this forum respond.

Best wishes
Nigel