Theos-Talk Archives (September 1994 Message tl00082)

This is by Eldon Tucker.

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Lewis L:

     I had the same feeling about being in the T.S. when I first
was a member, living in Salt Lake City in 1968, in a time and place
where there were few people of like mind to associate with.
     The different theosophical groups have a life of their own,
and some people feel a kinship with them. Others will have nothing
to do with organizations. Those of us that benefit from the
association continue to belong. Those that do not benefit quit and
move on...

Paul J:

     When I describe some aspect of the Philosophy, and state it
clearly, without hesitation, as though I am convinced it were true,
I look forward to other clearly, persuasive statements of
Philosophy. The best reply, as I see it, is a lucid statement of an
alternate view, with new insights into the subject.
     It is an evasion of the issue to simply discount a description
you might not like as a biased personal interpretation. Don't
discount everything by putting it into the realm of opinions, where
we need only need find some fault with the writer and we can then
happily ignore the challenge of his words. It is productive to
answer the challenge posed by a statement of someone's
understanding of Theosophy with an equally lucid counter-statement.
     A series of unique essays by different of us interested in a
particular topic, each with its own points of value, would be great
to have!

Jim Anderson:

     Your spelling corrections are noted.
     Analogies are like statistics: when used with care, they
reveal hidden information, but they can also be used to mislead and
misrepresent the truth, as we can see in any political campaign.
     You bring up the important issue of the need for a Teacher. I
would say that one is needed at times. It's true that there are
some exceptional musicians that were self-taught. They were the
exception, though, not the general rule. Some people know something
so very well that they can "remember" it in a new lifetime little,
if any external help. This does not prove that they, or any of us,
initially acquired musical abilities without the help of others.
     My description regarding "lighting someone's fire" has to do
with new evolution, with new learning entirely beyond the
experience of the person. It does not regard the recollection of
things known in previous lifetimes. I do believe that an initial
"spark" or stimulus is required, from others, to get us going in
some entirely new area of life. This is much more so with regards
to the spiritual path. I won't try to explain this right now, I
don't want to write another essay tonight...
     It's a bit judgmental to describe some of my comments as a
"sermon displaying great ignorance." The type of materials that we
put out on "theos-l" are not "finished product" in the same sense
as a book or magazine article. They are not checked and double-
checked, given to others for critical review and reaction, and
shown to friends expert in the fields we may touch upon, whom can
act as technical advisors. Please don't have too high an
expectation of the finished nature of what you might read.
     I don't really mean to say that you'll have us afraid to
comment on music, nor to use musical metaphors in our writings, for
fear that you'll pick holes in what we say and shoot us down! (I'm
being humorous now.)
     Regarding travels, I was also in Tibet in October 1985, for
about 10 days, on an organized trip. Working in the computer field,
I was limited to the amount of vacation allowed by my employer.
While a college student in 1972, I visited many Theosophists in
Germany, Holland, and England. With a letter from Elsie Benjamin,
whom I also met on that trip, I was also able to see and hold in my
hands the Mahatma Letters. (At that time they were in binders, with
the sides of the pages attached to the book, but where the reader
handled the actual paper of the letters.)
     I must say, though, that I feel closer to a special place when
I am writing, at times, than I did visiting Tibet. My explanation
is that we at times contemplate the spiritual, but we gaze upon it
in the most direct, immediate way when it is being lived out
through us. When we are actively engaged in giving tangible
expression to the spiritual, we learn and grow ourselves. Sitting
to write with the intent to share with others, I find that really
learn a lot myself at the same time. There's something more to the
writing when I know that it is not just intended for myself, that
it is meant for others, even if but few may benefit from my
words...
     My final comment might be: Don't say "Eldon write less," say
"Jim write more.