Theos-Talk Archives (November 1998 Message tt00489)

As Dallas mentioned, I too took refuge formally in the Triple Jewel of
Buddha, Dharma, Sangha.  But, like Dallas, (or many not born in a Buddhist
family or culture) I have not focussed exclusively on any one school,
tradition or practice.

But the Theosophy of HPB, the Chaldeo-Tibetan variety of her gurus, does
consider Buddha their Leader and inspiration.  There are many passages
saying so.  Her Adepts' Theosophy is not quite any of the Buddhist types
known or practiced today.  I suspect it is some very ancient, now considered
extinct, school -- perhaps the Haimavata -- one of the 18 known kinds of
long ago.  But what most of these old schools taught exactly is not known
today.

As for formal refuge -- any theosophist who has a solid admiration for
Buddhism should consider taking refuge in the Triple Jewel.  It is much
more than the Buddha, His teachings, and the order of monks & nuns.  HPB's
Glossary has some of the deeper meanings.  Here is what Master Morya wrote
to Hartmann after he had formally taken refuge.

"Above all, try to find yourself, and the path of knowledge will open
itself before you, and this so much the easier as you have made contact
with the Light-ray of the Blessed one, whose name you have now taken as
your spiritual lode-star..."    [BCW 8 446]

One other place Buddha is praised as a "lode-star" is Mahatma Letters (the
page before letter 1).

"The only refuge for him who aspires to true perfection is Buddha alone."

Best,


--
<> Nicholas Weeks <> am455@lafn.org <> Los Angeles
  When hearing, pondering and practicing the Dharma, one's aim should be
  first of all to subdue one's own mind.   Gyelwa Ensapa