Theos-Talk Archives (February 1995 Message tl00011)

Ken, thank you for your kind thoughts and information regarding
Buddhism.  I like your phrase "the gnostic foundation of core
buddhism" because some have suggested that theosophy also has a
gnostic core.  I take it here that "gnostic foundation" refers to
encouraging the student to partake of direct experience, or
gnosis, rather than simple reliance upon doctrine, although that
too is important.

Thanks also for the mention of Cleary's book.  I have several of
his works and like him very much (his new translation of The
Secret of the Golden Flower is especially good).  I will keep an
eye out for it at my local bookstores.

I also like your reference to "gnostic heresy" which is the bane
of Christianity in this country.  On this net, we are all trying
to advise and consult, and no one is saying that they are
"conduits" to God, that I know of.  But you are right, direct
experience of the spiritual realms tends to give a person an
inflated ego to the point where they sometimes become self-made
gurus before they are ready.  This is the very reason that HPB
warns us to develop compassion first.  Of course, H.H.  stresses
the need for compassion as well..

I think that we all agree on the importance of both the guru, or
some authoritative body or source of knowledge from which we draw
inspiration and guidance, and gnosis - which is putting the
theory into practice through a direct experience of the
Teachings.

By the way, could you shed any light on the doctrine of
Buddhalands and Mount Meru as taught in Buddhist scripture versus
the cosmic planes and Globes of theosophy and the Sephiorth of
the Qabalah?

          Jerry S.