Theos-Talk Archives (November 2012 Message tt00065)

Mme. Blavatsky in 1877 wrote:

". . .We came into contact with certain men, endowed with such mysterious powers and such profound knowledge that we may truly designate them as the sages of the Orient. To their instructions we lent a ready ear."

"The work now submitted to public judgment is the fruit of a somewhat intimate acquaintance with Eastern adepts and study of their science."

And she spent the rest of her life writing and trying to explain the tenets of Theosophy
in her books and writings. 

And as she said in the quotation from THE KEY TO THEOSOPHY:

"The Society ... is divided into an outer and an inner body. Those who belong to the latter have, of course, a philosophy, or ? if you so prefer it ? a religious system of
their own."

Furthermore, the Theosophical teaching "was outlined a few years ago in the
Theosophist and "Esoteric Buddhism," and may be found still more elaborated in
the "Secret Doctrine." It is based on the oldest philosophy of the world, called
the Wisdom-Religion or the Archaic Doctrine. . . ."

And ESOTERIC BUDDHISM was based primarily upon what the Masters told Mr. Sinnett in their letters which have now been published as far back as 1923.

And as Mr. de Zirkoff wrote:

" Even a cursory glance at the pages of The Secret Doctrine would confirm this fact. That work contains innumerable instances where H.P.B. (and the Adept-Brothers speaking through her) uses such expressions as: "the Secret Doctrine teaches," "secret records declare," "The Esoteric Philosophy states that ...," "it is the teaching of the ancient occult doctrine," and others. If  the student cared to underline these passages and then read them consecutively, or place them in juxtaposition, he would see at a glance that the "Secret Doctrine," as a system of thought, is about as definite as any science or philosophy is ever apt to be, and stands in direct opposition to a large number of other ideas which have become current in the world under the name of one or another religion or philosophy."

And HPB herself wrote elsewhere:

"With all our many failures, at least we may claim to have placed before the thinking public a logical, coherent, and philosophical scheme of man's origin, destiny, and evolution ? a scheme preeminent above all else for its rigorous adherence to justice.  And, that we may broaden our criterion of truth, our research extends to an enquiry into the nature of the less known forces, cosmic and psychical.  In one word, our whole aim and desire are to help, in at least some degree, toward arriving at correct scientific views upon the nature of man, which carry with them the means of reconstructing for the present generation the deductive metaphysical or transcendental philosophy which alone is the firm, unshakable foundation of every religious philosophy."

Now of course each interested inquirer will have to study her writings if they decide to do so and try to understand the teachings.  

Even HPB again said:

"The purpose of this book is exactly expressed in its title, "THE KEY TO THEOSOPHY," and needs but few words of explanation. It is not a complete or exhaustive text-book of Theosophy, but only a key to unlock the door that leads to the deeper study. It traces the broad outlines of the Wisdom Religion, and explains its fundamental principles; meeting, at the same time, the various objections raised by the average Western enquirer, and endeavouring to present unfamiliar concepts in a form as simple and in language as clear as possible. That it should succeed in making Theosophy intelligible without mental effort on the part of the reader, would be too much to expect; but it is hoped that the obscurity still left is of the thought not of the language, is due to depth not to confusion. To the mentally lazy or obtuse, Theosophy must remain a riddle; for in the world mental as in the world spiritual each man must progress by his own efforts. The writer cannot do the reader's thinking for him, nor would the latter be any the better off if such vicarious thought were possible."

As to the Theosophical Society, there are nowadays a number of Theosophical societies, organizations, and associations not to mention an even larger array of esoteric, occult, metaphysical orgaizations.  I'm sure that many or in fact all of them are of some worth.  And one can be a member of any of them or of none of them.

Even Theos-Talk could be considered an "organization" of sorts.  Anyone who has an interest can read the forum.  One can join and post comments, etc.  No one is going to ask what you blieve or ak if you are a member of any society, etc.

Personally I could care less about one's membership in a Theosophical group.

For example, various individuals from more than 100 countries around the globe visit my own website and many write and correspond with me.  I have no idea what society or group any of these people belong to.  I do know they have an interest in HPB and her writings and the teachings of Theosophy as given in her writings.  In many cases they want specific information or suggestions for further reading or help with specific documents, etc.

As to what each of them believes or understands about Theosophy, in most cases I don't know nor is it relevant.

I simply refer those interested to the writings, etc. so they can, if they choose, read, study, ponder, think and try to comprehend better the Theosophical philosophy.

Daniel
http://hpb.cc



--- In theos-talk@yahoogroups.com, "M. Sufilight" <global-theosophy@...> wrote:
>
> Dear Daniel
> 
> Yes. But the question about who decides what theosophy is, has not been answered by the below quote.
> Unless - we make it coinside with the definition by the founder of the Esoteric Section at that time. 
> And are they a belief, or a sectarian doctrine? Or something else - a science perhaps? 
> Who can tell form the quote you just gave? Honestly...Daniel?
> 
> But the Esoteric Section as given in 1888-1891 by Blavatsky was not to "boss" the exoteric one - the exoteric Theosophical Society, which was absolutely non-sectarian, (something stated many times, but now in a sense sadly overlooked and even forgotten about by many a theosophical seeker or reader these days). The inner - esoteric section only had few members in the early days of the Theospohical Society - something claimed by Blavatsky  -
> 
>  See the article I recently quoted from: WHAT IS THEOSOPHY?
>  --- Here Blavatsky wrote in La Revue Spirite, Paris, November, 1880: 
> "It is true that a wholly esoteric section exists in our Society; but it is only a section, a very tiny part of the society which would perhaps be best defined if I call it at the outsetâ?"not only the trunk of the Theosophical tree or its seedâ?"because it is to that section that our whole Society owes its originâ?"but the vivifying sap that makes it live and flourish. Without this section, composed solely of Oriental adepts, the Theosophical Society, whose ramifications are beginning to cover the five regions of the globe, would be nothing but a dead and sterile body, a corpse without a soul. And yet the Theosophists who have been admitted therein up to this time could be reckoned on the fingers of one hand." 
> 
> --- Later in 1888, she had created her own Esoteric Section and allowed quite a great number to enter it - while they were pledged to silence about the teachings they received. ---- The endresult being that all and everything came out about what went on(!)...Smile....Or more precisely: - the esoteric content and teachings were made available - and hence became exoteric - at least to a certain degree.
> 
> WHAT IS THEOSOPHY?
> "Theosophy is the exact science of psychology" 
> (And therefore - Knowledge about the mind in all respects and on all levels of knowledge. Knowledge about Prejudice is one of the elements in such a science.)
> (The Theosophist, Vol. I, 1879).
> 
> And in the Key to Theosophy we also have, that this Science is called Atma-Vidya = Brahm-Vidya, (a very misunderstood term even these days by scholars and quite a number of Theosophists if I may say so). See The Key to Theosophy, p. 2, 1890 ed. ("Theosophy is the equivalent of Brahm-Vidya, divine knowledge.") 
> 
> In the Secret Doctrine Vol. II, p. 253, we find that Blavatsky called the system given by the ancient Sages, the Aryan (ie. noble one, in old English) - "the most perfect philosophical systems of transcendental psychology, of Codes of Ethics"....well according to Blavatsky.
> 
> So it seems that Theosophy is transcendental psychology and exact psychology --- psychology in all and every respect and angle of the word. And therefore also Anti-cult and Anti-sectarian psychology.
> 
> 
> And all the above, necessarily implies a non-Sectarian approach when one seeks to promulgate Altruism and a Brotherhood of Humanity (!) And this is the central clue, which has been misunderstood by many through several decades. During the the 20th century it went so far as resulting in that some political powers ("weeded" more or less with the Catholic Church) outlawed books on materialistic and other kinds of psychology and burned them in public.
> (Someone seem to have know about it all in advance: The Self-porteait by John King - with a Swatica and a sixpointed Jew Star -  http://www.global-theosophy.net/galleri/johnking.jpg --- And the Theosophical Glossary says: "How ever that may be, Count St. Germain was certainly the greatest Oriental Adept Europe has seen during the last centuries. But Europe knew him not. Perchance some may recognise him at the next Terreur which will affect all Europe when it comes, and not one country alone." - http://www.phx-ult-lodge.org/Thegloss.htm)
> 
> And that was perhaps why Blavatsky - even in her time - said to the learned members of the Theosophical Society, that she almost had given up in dispair because of the amount of prejudice thrown at the word "Theosophy"!
> 
> PHILOSOPHERS AND PHILOSOPHICULES 
> "Prejudice against Theosophy seems to have become part of the national feeling. For almost three years the writer of the presentâ?"helped in this by a host of Theosophistsâ?"has tried in vain to sweep away from the public brain some of the most fantastic cobwebs with which it is garnished; and now she is on the eve of giving up the attempt in despair! "
> http://www.katinkahesselink.net/blavatsky/articles/v11/y1889_060.htm )
> 
> 
> As I see it:
> That is why the present day teachings on altruism being forwarded - based on scientific knowledge and a open-minded and non-prejudiced search after the truth about the meaning of life and how to promulgate altruism - in our time - necessarily must take clear steps in addressing the science of Psychology much more clearly and its branch the science on subtle Mind Control. And the non-Sectarian concept. Or suffer the consequences of being coined with all the other New Age groups and organizations - as merely one more of the many Sects and Cults in our day and time. Most dictionaries - in our enlightened 21th century (!) - coinside the Theosophical Society with an organization which since 1875 have taught a doctrine called Theosophy on rounds, root-races, manvantaric evolution, Himalayan Masters, karma, reincarnation, and what not - although this view is completely wrong and false with regard to the absolutely non-sectarian The Theosophical Society in its early days - and its definitions on Theosophy being the exact Science of Psychology.
> 
> 
> And "that's just where the shoe pinches, Sahib" as Morya said with regard to Blavatsky being too outspoken etc., etc. "too incapable of dissimulation", said Morya or someone signing himself/herself by that name or signatur....Mahatma Letter XLVII. (http://www.phx-ult-lodge.org/mahatma_letters.htm)
> 
> 
> Well...but that is merely how I see it..
> I might be wrong.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> M. Sufilight
> 
>   ----- Original Message ----- 
>   From: Daniel 
>   To: theos-talk@yahoogroups.com 
>   Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2012 7:37 PM
>   Subject: theos-talk Sufilight, you ask: What are the tenets of Theosophy?
> 
> 
>     
>   Sufilight,
> 
>   I think that HPB herself answers your question in the following excerpt from
>   THE KEY TO THEOSOPHY:
> 
>   -----------------
>   . . . . ENQUIRER. But surely those few who have felt the need of such truths
>   must have made up their minds to believe in something definite? You tell me
>   that, the Society having no doctrines of its own, every member may believe as he
>   chooses and accept what he pleases. This looks as if the Theosophical Society
>   was bent upon reviving the confusion of languages and beliefs of the Tower of
>   Babel of old. Have you no beliefs in common?
> 
>   THEOSOPHIST. What is meant by the Society having no tenets or doctrines of its
>   own is, that no special doctrines or beliefs are obligatory on its members; but,
>   of course, this applies only to the body as a whole. The Society, as you were
>   told, is divided into an outer and an inner body. Those who belong to the latter
>   have, of course, a philosophy, or â?" if you so prefer it â?" a religious system of
>   their own.
> 
>   ENQUIRER. May we be told what it is?
> 
>   THEOSOPHIST. We make no secret of it. It was outlined a few years ago in the
>   Theosophist and "Esoteric Buddhism," and may be found still more elaborated in
>   the "Secret Doctrine." It is based on the oldest philosophy of the world, called
>   the Wisdom-Religion or the Archaic Doctrine. . . .
>   -------------------
> 
>   Daniel
>   http://hpb.cc
> 
>   --- In theos-talk@yahoogroups.com, "M. Sufilight" <global-theosophy@> wrote:
>   >
>   > A few views...
>   > 
>   > 
>   > Yes. Sure this is a special day. Just like a certain day in september was.
>   > 
>   > But let us not forget that times are different. And that there in fact are many special days, if we remember the past events and activities of various famous people.
>   > 
>   > MKR you wrote:
>   > "Today, world over if people were exposed to the tenets of theosophy which
>   > in turn has helped them to contribute to make the world a better place, all
>   > the credit goes to the hard work of HSO and HPB. "
>   > 
>   > Allow me to ask:
>   > What are the tenets of theosophy? Are they a belief? Or a sectarian doctrine?
>   > And who decides what is called tenets of theosophy and who does not?
>   > 
>   > Strangely enough I very often find myself stonewalled with silence when I ask such well-meant questions.
>   > ________________
>   > 
>   > 
>   > PHILOSOPHERS AND PHILOSOPHICULES by Blavatsky, 1889:
>   > "In the published Constitution and Rules great stress is laid upon the absolutely non-sectarian character of the Society. It is constantly insisted upon that it has no creed, no philosophy, no religion, no dogmas, and even no special views of its own to advocate, still less to impose on its members. And yetâ�"
>   > ââ?¬Å"Why, bless us! is it not as undeniable a fact that certain very definite views of a philosophic and, strictly speaking, of a religious character are held by the Founders and most prominent members of the Society?ââ?¬Â?
>   > ââ?¬Å"Verily so,ââ?¬Â? we answer. "But where is the alleged contradiction in this? Neither the Founders, nor the 'most
>   > prominent members nor yet the majority thereof, constitute the Society, but only a certain portion of it, which, moreover, having no creed as a body, yet allows its members to believe as and what they please.â�� In answer to this, we are told:â�"
>   > ââ?¬Å"Very true; yet these doctrines are collectively called ââ?¬Ë?Theosophy.ââ?¬â?¢ What is your explanation of this?ââ?¬Â?
>   > We reply:ââ?¬"ââ?¬Å"To call them so is a ââ?¬Ë?collectiveââ?¬â?¢ mistake; one of those loose applications of terms to things that ought to be more carefully defined; and the neglect of members to do so is now bearing its fruits. In fact it is an oversight as harmful as that which followed the confusion of the two terms ââ?¬Ë?buddhismââ?¬â?¢ and ââ?¬Ë?budhism,ââ?¬â?¢ leading the Wisdom philosophy to be mistaken for the religion of Buddha.ââ?¬Â?
>   > .......
>   > "Prejudice against Theosophy seems to have become part of the national feeling. For almost three years the writer of the presentâ�"helped in this by a host of Theosophistsâ�"has tried in vain to sweep away from the public brain some of the most fantastic cobwebs with which it is garnished; and now she is on the eve of giving up the attempt in despair! "
>   > http://www.katinkahesselink.net/blavatsky/articles/v11/y1889_060.htm
>   > 
>   > 
>   > 
>   > M. Sufilight
>   > 
>   > 
>   > 
>   > ----- Original Message ----- 
>   > From: .:. 
>   > To: theos-talk 
>   > Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2012 6:38 AM
>   > Subject: theos-talk November 17 - Theosophical Society Founders' Day
>   > 
>   > 
>   > 
>   > November 17th is celebrated around the world as the Founders� Day. On this
>   > day in 1875, Col Olcott delivered the inaugural address of the Theosophical
>   > Society. Let us go back to time when TS was founded.
>   > 
>   > A key event was the visit of the one of the Inner Founders to Olcott in New
>   > York and Olcott was told that there was a crisis and his help was needed.
>   > Times were different and travel and living conditions were hard. Olcott had
>   > no idea of India and the conditions there at that time. In spite of this,
>   > he made a leap of faith and moved to India and work for the spread of
>   > theosophy and TS. Of course his co-worker in this endeavor was H P
>   > Blavatsky and her contribution to the introduction of the ancient wisdom to
>   > the West need no explanation.
>   > 
>   > Today, world over if people were exposed to the tenets of theosophy which
>   > in turn has helped them to contribute to make the world a better place, all
>   > the credit goes to the hard work of HSO and HPB. There is a long list of
>   > arm chair critics but when we compare the contribution and sacrifices of
>   > the Founders, the reality sets in.
>   > 
>   > Theosophists correctly celebrate this day to remember the Founders and also
>   > many many workers around the world who have toiled to spread theosophy. Let
>   > us show our gratitude to all of them for bringing theosophy to us and make
>   > our lives better and thus help better the people we deal with every day.
>   > 
>   > MKR
>   > 
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>   > 
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>   > 
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