Theos-Talk Archives (January 1999 Message tl00080)

W. Dallas TenBroeck <dalval@nwc.net> writes (to Jerry, I think):
>As to defence, -- you are free to take your path, and I, mine.
>But if I see criticism of HPB I will ask for chapter and verse
>proofs.  I consider that a "dharma."

When quoting chapter and verse it is a very simple matter, rather in the
manner of Christians of different theological perspectives, to use such
quotes rather like weapons, with the combatants hurling quotes at each
other by way of "proof" of this or that view.

We are indeed all free to take our individual paths, and this allows, I
would have thought - and do - a simple opinion to be expressed along
the lines of "what HPB, HPC or HPD says about this or that [with
citation perhaps] does not, in my long and varied *experience,* make
sense."  We could all, perhaps, publish our experiences in print, and
then give chapter and verse from our own writings to refute this or that
claim - but what would be the point?

When we begin to share our *experience,* then perhaps we are doing
something useful and beneficial both for others and ourselves.

I note, Dallas, that in your many quotes from HPB you dignify her
sources by capitalising words such as "masters," and even "their."  Are
these people gods, that they should have their identities, like Jesus, so
designated?  In the Barker edition of "The Mahatma Letters to
A.P.Sinnett" (on my bookshelf) their letter number 10 states that they
themselves do not do this sort of thing, and actively disapprove of it.

I - and maybe others, especially newcomers to this and other lists -
have often wondered why these particular putative mahatmas are the
only ones to be singled out for such special praise.  A known historical
and much loved Mahatma Gandhi (for example) unlike his theosophical
counterparts, is never cited as a source for any kind of wisdom on this
list, yet his memory and teaching is still revered and honoured by
millions of people of his own country, as well as in the world at large.

Blavatsky, in her writings, also refers to the many Rishis that have
graced the esoteric past, and why not?  But what mention do we see of
another rishi from more recent times, who in his own way turned much
western thinking on its head?  I refer to the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
(better known for his association with the pop group The Beatles than
his philosophy in the eyes of the general public).  He was (and I think
still is - I have no report of his demise) a highly educated Hindu who sat
at the feet of his own master, the Shankaracharya of the Northern
Himalayas.  He also wrote and had published (by Penguin Books in the
UK) a commentary of the first seven chapters of the "Gita" which I
would commend to any serious student.

In my own time, I have seen and studied teachings of this man's guru
that were taken down verbatim from his own lips and translated into
private papers in English in the early 1960s.  This is the same source as
is claimed for so much of the theosophy of HPB and others, and the
stream still flows.  Theosophy is as much of a continuing present as it is
of a 19th century past.

Above text copyright Alan Bain, 18/1/99.

Having staked my claim, others will be able to cite my writing as a
"proof" text if they wish.  But let's get real, shall we?

Alan
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