Theos-Talk Archives (November 1999 Message tl00070)

Nov 8th

Thanks Katinka,  I now understand.  Have been jammed with work,
and hence may have reacted a bit hastily.  Do excuse me.  See
some more notes below, please.

Dallas
dalval@nwc.net=A0

-----Original Message-----
> From: hesse600 [mailto:hesse600@tem.nhl.nl]
> Date: Monday, November 08, 1999 4:33 AM
> Subject: dogmatism ?

Hi Dallas,

> Dear Katinka:
>
> If anyone desires to confute Theosophy it is wise to offer more
> than opinions or sentiments.

> As I see it, Theosophy is anything but sentimental.
I agree, all I am trying to say is that to reach someone,
it is more effective to give a personal view, instead of
referring to books, but you reacted well to Randy's
frustration that there is so much to read (and he has a
point, as you well know), so I am not really in opposition
to you. All I am saying is that their are different ways of
presenting yourself and your viewpoints, and that some are
more effective than others.

DTB	I personally think that Randy ought to become familiar with a
basic text on theosophy, such as the KEY.  The value to him is
that he can get some of the vocabulary and certainly some of the
main doctrines are well explained.  Then his questions will
acquire depth (in my esteem).

> Like Nature which we all live in it speaks of "principles"
which
> anyone can verify, after testing.
 Yes, but simple explaining is also usefull, sometimes.
> In that Science resembles it, But Theosophy covers a far wider
> horizon than any one of the mane departments of analytical
> science does.
Yes, which is why this discussion list covers so many
diverse topice (isn't it great! :) )

DTB	Yes, it is.  But there are also many "opinions."  Such are
inescapable, but in many cases they can be individually resolved
by a familiarity with the main objects and tenets of Theosophy:
Universality, fraternity, Law all-pervasive, Karma, Reincarnation
and the ultimate perfection of all beings -- since even the
life-atom (Monad) is a potential man and a potential Mahatma --
given the ample time of eternity within which to learn all that
can be learned -- Now that is a great vista for me and an
encouragement.

> I do not try to be dogmatic, but only to present for
> consideration that which THEOSOPHY offers us to look into -- a
> "point of view."
I said you came across as such, not that you were dogmatic.
I do not know you well enough to know anything about how
stuck your views are in your brain. I try to not judge
peoples insides by the way they come accross, because I
know how very different the two can be, from personal
experience ( :-( )

DTB	Quite true and understood.  I do not speak entirely for
myself, as I am aware that my views are also opinionated.  I try
to de-personalize them ( if that is allowed) and thus refer to
the Philosophy whenever possible.

> How anyone may receive such contributions is their affair, as
is
> their opinion.  After all, this is a Theosophical discussion
> group?  HPB (as well as anyone else) might as well be given her
> chance to speak as well as anyone else can -- if someone cars
to
> quote them exactly to demonstrate a point of importance.
yes, you are free to do what you want.

> Let us then consider :  -- what are the points, if any, of
> philosophical difference?

> There is difference to be sensed between "belief" and "faith."
> Perhaps "belief" is very rigid and dogmatic."  Whereas "faith"
is
> constantly renewed and adjusted through questioning.  One is
> static and the other is dynamic.  The first indicates a closed
> mind, the second indicates an open mind seeking for the Truth
of
> things.

As I said before, I said something about how you came
across, and about how I deal with that, not about what you
are, which I do not presume to judge.

DTB 	I guess that we really cannot do any judging, since at the
core of each of us is the Divine HIGHER SELF  (Atma-Buddhi).  The
Monad in its learning phases passes through many trials and
different kinds of ideas and places.  That also cannot be
"judged" since each has to find or make their own path.

But when a friend sees another straying, then ought we not to
speak and perhaps indicate a simpler and less harmful way, if
such has been our experience ?

Katinka
----------------------
NHL Leeuwarden
hesse600@tem.nhl.nl

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