Theos-Talk Archives (May 2002 Message tt00157)

May 14, 2002

Dear Larry:

Looking at the subject and questions you ask, I think that Theosophy
might answer as follows:

Try to apply the propositions:

1.	All beings are IMMORTALS. ( From the "atom" or "monad" up to
"Man-minds" and beyond )

2. The whole universe is manifested INTELLIGENCE, and

3.	Every being has a right to live in the company of protective and
cooperative entities.

4.	The universe, and our world, and our own bodies, are ruled by just
and compassionate LAWS.

5.	Every being is the embodiment of a central MONAD ( Atma-Buddhi) --
a spiritual entity, and

6.	Each is progressing to an eventual PERFECTION of its own
consciousness -- that is, a capacity to envisage and to meld with the
entire universe, starting with its own proximate environment.

7.	This is an expression of universal EVOLUTION in which each entity
(because it is Spiritual as a basis -- Atma-Buddhi, has a right to
its own environment so long as this does not impede others around
it. This is what the Buddha meant by the "Middle" WAY -- the path to
mutual perfection in which we all serve each other.

Since Theosophy deals with fundamental propositions and the laws of
the Universe and our world -- NOT from the point of view of how we
should make others act, but from the viewpoint of what choices do we
select for our own cooperative living, and our self-effacing
interaction with others, the questions you ask are matters for
individual decision.

Theosophy thus discusses the Principles involved. And (as I see it)
it reserves application to each individual, who, by independent free
choice builds their own "future."

It therefore set up no rituals, or rules of observance. Each
individual, as Nature illustrates, has to make their own decisions.
Karma rules in terms of the impersonality and the universality of
unselfish application each one makes. In a way the UNITED LODGE OF
THEOSOPHISTS also illustrates this through its DECLARATION. It gives
freedom to all students to use its facilities and study its wisdom --
THEOSOPHY, but enforces no rules on any one.

Discussing the questions you pose at large, provides many kinds of
debates and answers, but Theosophy does synthesizes and draws all
together because it leaves individuals to make the best decisions they
know.

Like an ideal application of common sense, it declares that we will
always regulate ourselves for the best, so long as we act openly and
unselfishly. And, not lay down hard and fast rules and rituals for
others, and our own application.

Like Nature, which it describes, Theosophy speaks of the PRINCIPLES
involved.

MODERATION is primary. ( As Buddha expressed it: The "Middle Way." )

Care and consideration of al BEINGS of any size or dimension is the
next. [ The reason for this is that the universe of forms (ours, or
any "Manifestation") is made up of individual immortal Monads all on
their individual "path" towards PERFECTION and WISDOM ( Buddhi). ]

Wisdom is common property. It is describable and enforceable by no
one person or by a single group, be this religious or political.

We all know what the parameters are:

WE ARE IMMORTALS.

We Reincarnate together.

Karma -- the great universal (and individual) LAW of mutual respect
and of cooperative progress is a primary factor.

Our free and independent CHOICES are the basis for our future, always,

So we have IMMORTALITY, UNIVERSALITY, and BROTHERHOOD ( cooperation)
as the basis for making any evaluation or decision.

Now these can be applied to our present situation or to the "invasion"
of what has hitherto been a sparsely inhabited area.

First of all is to realize that our civilization is anomalous -- it is
like a cancer -- an over-concentration of minds and forces in limited
areas and at the expense of the surroundings.

Our DESIRES for various things cause this. So it is the DESIRE NATURE
that we need to examine for excesses and exaggerations.

MIND does this, and it looks for those ultimate results that an excess
of DESIRE makes into horrors and caricatures of the ideals we can
achieve through consideration of the needs and rights of others, which
include our own as a member of humanity..

Perhaps the ideal is an agrarian civilization of great thinkers, who
tend Nature and assist all beings on their own upward path -- and
employ in this, the wisdom of self-restraint and moderation. Yet non
of the acute attention to detail is ever to be omitted. It is a
constant companion of all our waking, conscious lives.

But even this view, while offered for consideration, cannot and ought
never to be inflicted or imposed on others. They must be allowed
their freedom to investigate and find out if this or some other
expression is accurate and reasonable.

Theosophy is divine common-sense.

Nature allows all being their independence, but, as a description of
a universal network of sensitivity, it insists, on logical grounds,
on cooperation through the action of universal and individual KARMA.

And this can be seen operating everywhere, if we devote our
concentrated attention to looking for its evidence. And this can only
be achieved by impersonalizing ourselves and eliminating selfishness
and self-regard. The ideal of "Service to others" is the one to be
adopted. We are given an illustration of this if we look up and read
The SECRET DOCTRINE Vol. I, pp 207-210.

Translated, this implies we ought (as the highest of duties) to devote
our efforts to SERVING others. The Elder Brothers, the Masters of
Wisdom illustrate this by their efforts and work.

Best wishes,

Dallas


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-----Original Message-----
From: Larry F Kolts [mailto:llkingston2@juno.com]
Sent: Sunday, May 12, 2002 4:54 AM
To:
Subject: Environmental Issues

Dear friends,

Now that I've brought up a theological disscussion and a work project,
here's a "Theosophy in Daily Life" subject for your concideration.

I live in the middle of the Catskill Mountains of New York. This area
is
the watershed for New York City. The entire Northeast has been in a
drought situation for the last little while. In addition local
developers
are fighting to build golf courses on the mountainside while at the
same
time others are seeking to turn more and more private land over to the
state or the city for "forever wild' statis in the ever growing
Catskill
Park. Since 9/11 many weekenders, summer people and others who have
only
been visiters are seeking permanent homes up here.

How does Theosophy view these environmental issues?

What about global warming?

What about overpopulation?

What about conservation?

With our unique view of man in relationship to the universe, what
special
insights do we have?

Again, while I am well aware of statements by HPB on a number of these
subjects, I leave it to you to bring these up and hash them over in
this
discussion. I believe this is another timely topic.

Larry

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