Theos-Talk Archives (January 2003 Message tt00223)

Dear Mr. Caldwell, Bill Meredith and Mauri,

Altough my motives have been impugned here, all I really want is to 
provide some food for thought. I am trying to contribute what I know 
for the benefit of others. I am not trying to 'convert' anyone from 
Theosophy or to Vaishnavism or Catholicism. My motive is to present 
information that is relevant to theosophy and Theosophy. 

If I don't write back to each person's challenges, questions and 
comments, it is not because I disrespect them and don't care about 
their ideas or criticism, it is because I am simply not physically 
able to respond to everything that I read. Although it is difficult 
for me to read the small letters on these egroups, I do it because I 
do care about peoples' opinions, and want to read their contributions 
and criticisms. I value your opinions and efforts. I respect the 
sincerity and knowledge of every person here, even if I do not agree 
with some peoples' views. 

The people here have all put effort into learning and becoming better 
people. That deserves respect in addition to the basic respect that 
every human being is due. So please to not think that my lack of a 
reply ever means that I have no appreciation for the considered 
opinions of the folks here. Please do not think that my criticism of 
HPB means that I have NO appreciation of her as a person, or for her 
literary contributions. She was a very complex person, and as such I 
see some heroic bravery, great genius and goodness in her, as well as 
some blinding prejudice and dishonesty. My concern is that people 
take her opinion of everything as FACT, when she often did not know 
much about what she was pontificating on. Thus many Theosophists have 
erroneous ideas about things, like the relationship of Vaishnavism to 
Hinduism. 

Even if I am unable to answer everyone, or even continue this 
correspondence at all, I hope that something I have contributed will 
be of value in stimulating some useful exchanges here.

Best Wishes to all,

Bhakti Ananda Goswami 

--- In theos-talk@yahoogroups.com, "D. H. Caldwell <info@b...>" 
<info@b...> wrote:
> Bill Meredith is right on target when he writes the following about 
> BAG's 4 part critique of Theosophy:
> 
> "I highly recommend that everyone read it. It can be printed and
> then read in smaller portions if that is your cup of tea. Do 
whatever 
> it takes, but please do read it."
> 
> BAG brings up very important issues. If you disagree with his 
> assumptions, conclusions, interpretations, etc. then please state 
> your reasons. 
> 
> All of us including BAG might learn something here.
> 
> As HPB said herself:
> 
> "...Contrast alone can enable us to appreciate things at their 
right 
> value; and unless a judge compares notes and hears both sides he 
can 
> hardly come to a correct decision." 
> 
> Daniel