Theos-Talk Archives (November 1996 Message tl00169)

In message <Pine.BSD/.3.91.961107000226.15536B-100000@matrix.eden.com>,
"m.k. ramadoss" <ramadoss@eden.com> writes
>Liesel:
>
>Add my name to those who have been immensely benefitted from the various
>writings of CWL, even though there may be many who are not.

Add my name as well.  Although I have been instrumental in bringing
details of the historical conflicts, claims and counter-claims that have
occurred over the years, I have done so in the interest of truth, and in
part to protest against the "establishment" attitude which appears to
want to hide information about such matters - an attitude which can only
serve to ensure that these matters are kept alive, and detractors of
theosophical ideas get a huge bonus of "condemnatory" material.

I have not read "Madame Blavatsky's Baboon" and am not likely to, but
from the reports of it which have appeared on the list, it looks as
though much of the book's anti-theosophical position was enabled by the
attitude of the TS itself.

In my youth I was much taken with "First Principles of Theosophy" by
Jinarajadasa.  Much of this work is a highly competent presentation of
CWL's summary of theosophical teaching.  Some of its contents can be
seen today as of doubtful accuracy (particularly material based upon the
"Lives of Alcyone").  I have often urged over the years that this now
very scarce work be reprinted, but understand from the Gen. Sec. of the
TS in England that Adyar will not reprint it "because it contains a
great many inaccuracies".  Although I would agree with our Gen. Sec., I
would still like to see a reprint of this book.  As a genuine and
sincerely held presentation of theosophical ideas, it still remains one
of the best introductions I have ever read, and I commend its perusal to
any serious student who is open-minded enough to reach his or her own
conclusions. The TPH in India could easily add a new preface outlining
the perceived areas of inaccuracy.

I also read some of CWL's works, which I found harder going at the time,
but I am bound to acknowledge that without these two authors, together
with many others, my interest in theosophical ideas, and later
membership of the TS might never have taken place.  We all owe them a
debt of gratitude, and if they had faults, then we too have our own
faults.  If this were not the case, theosophical teachings would perhaps
be unnecessary!

Just for the record.

Alan
---------
THEOSOPHY INTERNATIONAL: Ancient Wisdom for a New Age:
http://www.nellie2.demon.co.uk/
E-mail: TINT@nellie2.demon.co.uk