Theos-Talk Archives (June 2003 Message tt00111)

Hi all,

The theosophical history conference has just ended. It was
a very interesting meeting with a lot of new information
and interesting people as well. 

The most important (in fact staggering) contribution, IMO,
came from the librarian in the English Section, Barry
Thompson. He reported that the Bowen Notes, that have been
adopted by all major theosophical groups (including the
ULT) - cannot be traced back to Blavatsky. Bowen himself
can't be found in the archives before 1930 and his original
notes have either disappeared or never existed. Bowen is
supposed (according to the notes) to have studied with HPB,
yet he wasn't a member of Blavatsky-lodge, nor of the Inner
Group. Well, this is the sources as I remember them from
the talk, the article will be published on my website in
due time. 

In the meantime I think it is warrented that we all think
long and hard on the meaning of this. To what extent have
the Bowen notes influenced our interpretation of Blavatsky?
I would say, in my own case, a lot. I sent an e-mail to one
of the e-mailgroups recently arguing similarities between
blavatsky and krishnamurti, based on these notes, among
other things. The main issue is though, I think, the place,
importance and interpretation of jnana yoga. According to
Barry Thompson this can't be found elsewhere in the
writings of Blavatsky. I know I have some long, hard
rethinking and studying to do, and I hope others will join
in this effort. 

Katinka

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Katinka Hesselink
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-Those who observe, learn, a whole life long.
-Wie observeert, leert , een heel leven lang.
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http://www.katinkahesselink.net