Theos-Talk Archives (August 2010 Message tt00085)

Dear MKR

I have written many times on the subject of mindset both in this forum and elsewhere. In this context a mindset concerns the manner in which our thoughts operate through conditioned habituation or deliberate training.

Buddhism and mysticism are perhaps foremost in addressing the nature of mind, exposing its functioning, processes and most of all, its vested interests that divert us from that which is real.

An oft-quoted passage from Madame Blavatsky's Voice of the Silence states, "The mind is the great slayer of the Real. Let the disciple slay the slayer."

This is a call for us to investigate how our mind operates; where it is useful and where it is deceptive and destructive. Until we take up this investigation we will continue to respond and react to situations from an often mindless, habit conditioned state; a state that is rooted in fear, with its commensurate tendencies towards insecurity and inferiority. 

This fear originates from our earliest biological environment, where physical survival was paramount. This has evolved into the need for emotional and mental survival.

>From these perceived survival needs we have erected strong and powerful physical and mental structures to protect us from fear. From these structures we have created a sense of certainty which brings with it feelings of power and control; and the perception of safety. There is perhaps no more comforting feeling to most than safety, and in this context, the safety of feeling that we are right in our opinion or the stand we are taking is comforting indeed.

Unfortunately this perceived certainty can also give rise to confidence and its extreme form, arrogance. This mindset is easily recognizable in religious funda-mentalism and politics.

The only safeguard against this deceptive mind trap with all its accompanying pain, ignorance and blindness is freedom; freedom for all to think and express without fear of censorship or retaliation.

Freedom enables courage, equality, fairness and justice; intrinsic Theosophical principles. 

MKR, there are good people in this forum who are deeply concerned at the direction you are taking it. 
I entreat you not to ignore them as if their concerns are worthless and your opinion is the only correct one.

Be brave and respectful; fill up the "worn grooves."

Regards
Nigel


--- In theos-talk@yahoogroups.com, "Daniel" <danielhcaldwell@...> wrote:
>
> Erica,
> 
> I second your question.
> 
> For all the talk here over many months for the need of "greater credibility" and "transparency" on the part of various Theosophical organizations, wouldn't it be nice if these questions about Theos-talk that you, Nigel, Katinka and I have asked would be simply answered.
> 
> Daniel
> 
> 
> 
> --- In theos-talk@yahoogroups.com, "Erica L. Georgiades" <eletzerich@> wrote:
> >
> > Dear Doss,
> > 
> > Are you planning to go on ignoring the questions about the policy of the forum, 
> > and about the post which disappeared?
> > 
> > Erica
>