Theos-Talk Archives (December 1995 Message tl00383)

I will now be the first to say that this issue has gotten a bit overblown at
this point. I saw no need to provide my real name and as has been pointed
out if I truly wanted anonymity I would have taken greater measures. I did
not because I did not care. I have no hard feelings whatsoever and am not
offended. Refer to me however you like.

The "condescending" accusation is a difficult one to defend without resorting
to "No I'm not!" So the approach I will take is to talk about perceptions
and where I am coming from and what I have learned from all of you.

First I have to attribute a certain amount of over-sensitivity to you KPJ
due to the withering contumely heaped on your pour head the last year. Such
assault wreaks havoc on the nervous system so that the slightest rub even if
only perceived produces a pain not unlike the original. And may I be so
bold as to presume that the assault and accusations directed at you did not
all come from the collective condescension of the "ULT Brahmins" but rather
from your TS Brothers? In this specific instance the sweeping
characterisation of ULT students was inappropriate and also assumes that I am
a member or associate of ULT which I have not claimed.

On the other hand in your defense I have witnessed the attitude you refer
to in some of the ULT associates. The "Brahmin" characterisation is
interesting. Oversimplifying the "Brahmins" of India attempted to maintain
blood lines as well as to pass on the esoteric teachings of their Hindu
tradition. They had the "real" teaching and were the royalty so to speak.
The main purpose of ULT is "loyalty to the Founders of the Theosophical
Movement." And in this they maintain the "original" or "source" teachings
unaltered in facsimile form so that when someone wants to know what
Theosophy teaches ULT can point to the original stuff and say "Here it is."
Many of the other TS branches cannot say that and I suppose that gives ULT
students their aire odor? of distinction.

Because of this attitude I too have perceived I recently wrote an article
for a publication put out by ULT students addressing this very issue.
Basically my point was that from my experience here on the Internet with
you I have learned that there is a wide variety of expressions of Theosophy
by as many students and one should not be too quick to label something as
"Not Theosophy" or a student as "Not a Theosophist" It is the exposure to
other ideas that liberalizes and ULT students need a bit of liberalizing.
So on this point I have to agree with you and because of my agreement with
you it is difficult to have the condescending accusation stick.

On the other hand my opinion of the TS was formed about 8-10 years ago when
I considered traveling to Wheaton to participate in whatever study
groups/lectures they had on Theosophy. Upon requesting a schedule I
discovered that a cornucopia of classes and lectures were offered at all
times every day of the week. But there was not one class/lecture on
Theosophy. So where does one go if learning about Theosophy is desired? My
perception is an over-emphasis on the 2nd object to the point where the
teachings of Theosophy itself are neglected. This attitude manifests here on
the Internet in the TS membership where I am confronting attitudes that are
foreign to me and many of which I firmly disagree with. Are all dissenter
condescending? At times it is disturbing but as mentioned above
enlightening at the same time. However the "sad state of most Theosophists
on theos-l" words are yours and not mine. Please limit your personal
projections onto me.

Your comment on my "best laught" at your words about Cayce as being
condescending. This is an unfortunate misunderstanding. In your post of the
Theosophist's reply to the Caycian words "God loves you" I genuinely
thought you were being funny. It is the humor which can result when we see
ourselves in the mirror which is reflecting our countenance a little too
clearly. I got a great chuckle out of it and I thought I was laughing with
you.

A final comment about the political discussions I have only been
encouraging if blunt. I have stated and this can be verified "Get
organized change the system correct the poor judgement of the board assert
yourselves make the TS into the group the Masters intended or get rid of
it and follow the philosophy on your own." I find it difficult to
understand how suggesting that this take place on a separate list devoted to
such matters is condescending.

I have spoken my piece in my defense. It is the Holidays. All of you have
taught me something and I thank you. Friends?

Coherence.