Theos-Talk Archives (March 2009 Message tt00157)

Dear Nigel,

Reading another post from you I realize we have a similar concern. I 
often think, when I am writing to the list, that my words are going 
to be read by people who are just contacting Theosophy through this 
venue, or others who are new and possibly not thoroughly acquainted 
with the study of the ancient wisdom. I think those of us who have 
the privilege of more practice in this study have a big 
responsibilithy to get our egos out of the way and try to represent 
what we study in what we write, as simply and honestly as we can. It 
is definitely true, in my experience, that we are all students, and 
often we take turns being students and teachers to each other. 

"Practical occultism" is indeed my emphasis in the study of theosophy 
also. The ancient wisdom as it penetrates my consciousness provides 
an index of understanding of life's phenomena and of one's possible 
reactions thereto. It illuminates for instance the choices available 
with the light of an examination according to what we feel is 
important. Any phenomenon can be held up to the measuring stick of 
one of the basic principles, such as unity, honesty, loyalty, etc. 
and analyzed as it corresponds, or not. Theosophy is a living entity, 
developing as humanity develops consciuosness of it. 

What is the Light? In the context of this discussion, the Light 
represents the eternal verities, the foundation stones of the Temple 
of Truth, that which each human being recognizes in his inner most 
being to be true and right and beautiful. In our daily lives we are 
presented with choice after choice. Shall I tell a lie? Shall I 
steal? Shall I betray? Shall I judge? Over and over we have a choice 
and if we choose according to the priciples of Truth, Honesty, 
Loyalty, Compassion, we are staying within the Light. We all know 
deep within our hearts what is right. All we have to do is ask one 
question. "What would I want another to do if I were him?" The Golden 
Rule in action. Our choice to walk within the Light or within the 
shadow is simply whether to choose according to our own inner 
knowledge of right and wrong, or to ignore it. The consequence of the 
former will benefit the whole human race, the whole universe. The 
consequences of the latter bring destruction pain and suffering to 
all. Which should we choose?

What would you say about all this?

Adelasie

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On 6 Mar 2009 at 7:48, nhcareyta wrote:

Dear Adelasie,

Thank you as usual for your answers.

You write, "You ask some very pertinent and probing questions
which I will attempt to respond to. Keep in mind I am no authority..."

I would suggest none of us are Adelasie. I would also suggest that
the operations of the Kosmos are infinitely more profound than the
human mind can possibly conceive. For this reason among many,
perhaps we are all students, struggling with our limited and limiting
minds and egos.

My emphasis through study is to consider, and wherever possible
understand the teachings practically, ie. how might they, and can 
they, apply to the experiential life.

For the purpose of this dialogue I would like to address the
current points with particular reference to your rhetorical question, 
"Why not then stay within the Light...."

I sense this might be a familiar theme for you and I, which makes its
investigation all the more interesting to me.

May I ask, what is your understanding of, and what exactly do you 
mean by "the Light?"

Kind regards
Nigel