Theos-Talk Archives (December 1995 Message tl00390)

Dear Coherence

I'm of the opinion that you can call yourself anything you enjoy calling
yourself. I don't mind either that Alan Bain calls himself guru Nellie or
Arthur Patterson Taliesin. I don't see that it's any different than my
using the name Liesel. Everyone to their own dream! Liesel happens to be my
given name but in Germany there are so many Liesels that it's almost an
archetype. Liesel was the girl who in the middle ages minded the geese and
her companion was Hans. Hans & Liesel is like Jack & Jill... I know a little
boy of 03 Samora who calls himself Power Ranger. I don't know of anyone who
takes offense at that or tells him "no you're not you're lying". We play
along with his game. It's fun! Matter of fact I made him a cardboard sword
for hallowe'en & he was so strong a Power Ranger that he bent it right
away & I had to remember my Cub Scout crafts to make a 2d one twice as
strong for a real Power Ranger. His parents had something else in mind for
him. They're South African blacks. Samora was the name of a prominent
Mozambican who was mysteriously killed in a plane accident. The little boy
is the "reincarnation" in a way.

I'm not for discussing Wheaton politics on a separate list either.

It would be nice if we could help fashion a TS in the spirit the Masters
intended. Unfortunately we seem to be such an independent lot that we need
to quibbble all the time about who's righter. It would be great I think if
to our independent thinking we could add a few smidgeons of tolerance.

I can't erace the rest of this letter which is your original. I also can't
independently send a message. My system is blinking. I put my message on
top so you don't need to reread the whole thing.

Thanks for contributing to this list.

Happy Holidays

Liesel
Member Theosophy International
Member Human Race

>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.
>