Theos-Talk Archives (February 1998 Message tt00185)

Feb 17    '98                        Dallas writes:

Dear Jerry:

Apparently we all have preferences.  But I would not call myself qualified
to judge as to the relative excellence of any one presentation over another
unless I had fully tested it.  Then of course I give references to back it
up.  No one quibbles over the stature or nature of HPB.  She was pivotal.
WQj was her co-worker.  Testimonials from HPB are many and strong and can
be easily adduced from the back pages of LETTERS THAT HAVE HELPED ME (ULT -
Theosophy Company edition, p 276 et seq.)

Judge worked to introduce Theosophy to as many people who wanted it,
right from the very beginning. HPB ( and the Masters) called him the
"Resuscitator of Theosophy in America."  You can certainly say that the
work of WQJ was to introduce Theosophy to the masses -- and he then pointed
to HPB and to ISIS and the SD if they desired to proceed further.

He was of the opinion that Theosophy was essentially a matter of practice
and the metaphysics and doctrines, while studied, ought to form the basis
for explaining the practical side.  HPB offered the thesis consistently
that if there was to be any progress in true occultism it was to be by the
perfection of the moral channel in ones personal life.

As to his views on the "psychic side" of things being one-sided, I cannot
say as you do not give me a basis to know how or why you say that.  Check
what he says in the OCEAN chapters 4, 5,6, 7, and 16, 17 for continuity
with what HPB says in the KEY as from pp. 52 - 60,  83 - 226. (a longer
reading)

But while you and many might call these "basic" or "preliminary" I find
that most of us are not fully aware of the statements made there, so as to
be able to use them without reference to the texts.  I know that I have to
refer back to them constantly.  I also know from practical and a
many-yeared experience that they are one of the best keys to understanding
the S D.

If we don't have the logic of Theosophy firmly in mind, from the original
Messengers, then we are not easily able to figure out the details of the
doctrines and metaphysics that give still greater depth in understanding.

I like the idea that Nature (the Universe) contains all.  That we as
self-conscious beings (minds) are linked inseparably to the ABSOLUTE .  We
are a part of IT, and therefore have all the potentials within ourselves.
But we are learning to access them, and we need all the help we can
secure, from our own minds, here and now, to every bit of help we can get from any
source that is not prejudiced or self-interested.

Knowledge is the property of everyone.  Wisdom comes from experience in
trying to apply that knowledge and in sharpening our memory so that we do
not repeat errors.

I would place for my self an indefinite goal of ever-progressing, as, if I
am immortal in essence (not in personality) then this immortal individual
that takes on body after body is the one which grows, and when it
reincarnates it takes less and less time for it to recapture the memory of
past lives. (and I do not mean the name, form and works of those
personalities, but, rather, the character, capacity, talents, and hopes).

I have tried to read de Puruker starting from the basis I have
acquired from HPB and WQJ.  And I found that I was trying to disentangle his
views from theirs.  I noticed the difference and it was to me, tedious.  Well,
what else can I say ?  In some cases where his talks were reported he
starts out telling his audience that they cannot possibly understand the
metaphysics ... and frankly I dislike being talked down to.  If we are all
immortals, then my "spirit and Buddhi" is no less than the highest of the
Mahatmas.  The difference between my "lowly" position on the ladder and
Theirs -- is that they have mastered their personality and I still have far
to   do that for mine !  Such being the case I respect and revere Them --
all of them  -- and hope some day to be worthy of Their notice and
assistance.  In the meantime, I try to help others.

What else can one do ?  One has to start from the position Karma has placed
us in.

thanks for the response -- hope I have made myself clear.        Best
wishes as always,


                                                                    Dallas