Theos-Talk Archives (October 1995 Message tl00587)

In a message dated 95-10-30 13:55:09 EST, you write:

> If I get the gist of what you are saying, this material sounds
> like it might be a little dated and not exactly in line with the
> popular thinking of the current TS in America today? I am en-
> tirely in sympathy with you when you say that you don't like to
> mix today's organized religions with theosophy -- neither do I.
> But it suprises me then that the terms and the Diagram are still
> used in today's Theosophical Society educational materials.
>
> It sounds to me like our group needs to find some other *in-
> troductory* *educational* materials to study from. What do you
> think?

You will find or have found that there are a number of different schools of
Theosophy represented on this board. The confusion that exists on your part
is a symptom frequently seen when confronted with the multiple
teachings/writings offered as Theosophy, and the Theosophical Society has
done little to provide any guidance to inquirers.

At the risk of chastisement, I recommend you pursue UNEDITED versions of
HPB's writings and those of Wm. Q. Judge. You mentioned KEY TO THEOSOPHY. I
highly recommend a study of this. Also recommended for study would be THE
OCEAN OF THEOSOPHY by Mr. Judge and include ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ON THE OCEAN
OF THEOSOPHY by Robert Crosbie. And, yes, you should have an UNALTERED copy
of the SECRET DOCTRINE.

Theosophists are free to study and believe whatever they like. However there
is something to be said for the original writings, source Theosophy if you
will, so that you may assess the other writings from a firmer basis. It's
the only way to avoid the confusion you are experiencing and you may chose as
you like.