Meanderings - August 23, 2010 - Theosophical Myths and Mythologies

[Joe Fulton]

Well, what an interesting last several days on the Theosophical Network. What an interesting and wonderful opportunity to dig through one of the most popular stories in the modern Theosophical tradition.

For years many of us have been acquainted with the story of how Albert Einstein used the Secret Doctrine...and now we're dissecting the truth behind the story. I have no doubt that before this is all said and done we will have a fairly accurate picture of what actually took place. Lots of thanks to several of our newer members, namely Michael Williams and Leslie Royce Pochos for digging, and to Daniel Caldwell for pitching in from his storehouse of knowledge.

Perhaps this is a good segue for an expansion of this idea of confirming various Theosophical myths and stories. It's easy to take what we read and hear as authoritative. Then again, digging for the truth sometimes requires a bit more effort. Stories turn out to be mostly true or true in only in some respects, with a surprise or two thrown in for flavor. It's an idea to keep in mind...and it could be a lot of fun.

This brings up the general attitude of approach to truth and truthfulness. Very seldom do we see people who purposely prevaricate, and when we do, there is either some survival issue or something bad going on inside the person's head. More often than not, its the typical inability of virtually everyone to recall perfectly or to unconsciously choose facts that fit personal realities. For a much better discussion, go out to Amazon and pick up the excellent book, "The Invisible Gorilla: And Other Ways Our Intuitions Deceive Us", by Christopher Chabris and Daniel Simons.

For now, we're making progress and we're demonstrating the potential for Open Source Theosophy. There's a lot of digging to go, but if the Einstein SD is out there, let's see to it that the book is digitized and put into the public domain for all to see.

One last note in this blog. My wife, Susan put out a blog yesterday about the tagline for this site, Embrace * Compare * Explore. We are really concerned that the coursework within the Theosophical tradition is way too abstract and appeals only to the "intellectual' side of being. Really, we need to look at giving good food to people that is digestible without being convoluted or condescending. We have the knowledge, we have the heart and there are, I am sure, several out there who can tap into their life experience with their studies so that others, some day may be able to answer the question "how did you apply Theosophy to your life today?" It's a good place to start.

For those of you familar with the Church of Light, their material covers much of the same territory, and they have no problem being practical. Most Theosophists don't want to become ES monks, but want some guidance to help make life better, more fulfilling and difficulties easier to understand. It seems like a reasonable request, doesn't it?

Joe

[Michael A. Williams]

Good ideas, Joe. It's up to you when you think it's the best time to approach the people you mentioned to contact Adyar. You're right about the time and money needed once(and if) the Einstein SD book is found. There'd have to be handwriting experts hired to authenticate Einstein's written notes, and then the translation, most likely it's in German. Naturally, the Einstein Estate will want it's say in all this. I don't know the copyright laws on something like this, but if the TS and the Einstein Estate can't come to an immediate agreement, there will be litigation. Finally, once that's all settled, probably years, there's the publishing logistics, as you pointed out, and the money to fund all of this.

Of course, I may be painting too dark a scenario here. The Einstein Estate could be very cooperative and powerful people and nonprofit institutions could step forward and put up the money and help clear the hurdles in rapid time. A find like this could be considered a "cultural and scientific treasure," so I don't want to dwell on the negative here, just include it as a possibility to be ready to handle, if it occurs.

I see no word yet from Leslie with her contacts in Mumbai concerning the relatives of the Wadia family. That could open up some good leads.

I recall a new biography of Einstein that came out just a few years ago. It got rave reviews and was considered very comprehensive and included new material. I can't remember the name, but I'm going to check the latest bio they have of him out at the L.A. Public Library. I'm thinking it may have a reference to "The Secret Doctrine", if only briefly. I mean, if it's true he kept his copy on his desk on a regular basis it would be worth at least a mention or footnote in a thorough bio. It may lead no where, but worth a try.

For now, I can't think of anything else for me to do. I'll keep checking this site for any updates.

[Joe Fulton]

The acknowledgement will have to come from Adyar, probably through Radha or some other official, as will any decision to publish. There are any number of people, from what I can tell who would be more than happy to discuss the matter personally with the staff in Adyar. I think we could count on either Betty Bland, John Algeo or Joy Mills to place that request, and with some degree of enthusiasm. Betty Bland's response on Sunday indicated such enthusiasm. Another important thing to remember, especially in issues like this is that it is always easier to catch the proverbial fly with honey vs. vinegar.

The big issue will be one of money and time. One fact that was recently brought to light was from Eldon Tucker regarding the the release 1889 Transactions of the Blavatsky Lodge, recently published (see note on this site from Dan Caldwell). This effort took a number of years to compile and publish in book form. Similarly, to publish, as pdf or other digital format will take a considerable amount of time and manpower, not to mention the care required in the handling of the original of Einstein's SD.

So, what to do next. We need some people to come forward on this site or on any other Theosophical site with information regarding Mrs. Wadia and any personal recollections of this volume. Spread the word far and wide and get names and whatever evidence is possible.

I've noticed the waning of interest, and it's a bit disturbing, but honestly, many people here are familiar with the story and it has a shelf-life as does most news. Most of the time, efforts like this come down to a few OCD ppl who are willing to dig until the truth comes out, one way or the other. When it comes out, if positive, everyone who contributed will say they had a part and kudos will be given to them, too.

It's all good!

[Michael A. Williams]

I only meant that there must be some protocol as to how a request is made to the Adyar Library to do a book search. And with this one, a thorough search into every nook and cranny is needed. If it's there, it's been mis-catalogued and/or misplaced and who knows what else. I assumed you would know how to go about approaching Adyar when the time comes. Or would know who to ask.

Who are you aiming for to make this "Acknowledgment" and what kind of PR effort do you envision?

You're right about the Einstein Archives and his estate. I don't think we're going to hear from them, or get a serious response, until the actual Einstein SD book is found. Then they'll pay plenty of attention, I'm sure. I think we can forget about them, for now.

It looks like Leslie hasn't heard from any member of the Wadia family as of yet. Even so, if any of them remember Mrs. Wadia mentioning the book it would probably be only vague memories.

So, the situation now is: What to do next? I've done all I can and thrown out all the suggestions that come to mind. A few others here showed some interest when Mr. Maurer's article first appeared, but their enthusiasm seems to have waned. What are your ideas for the next move?

Thanks for the info on HPB and the Kabbalah. I'll definitely delve into her comments in the future.

[Joe Fulton]

I'm not worried about the approval of "high-ranking" Theosophists. Once the acknowledgment is made, then the PR effort can begin.

I think we may have been blown out of the water with the Einstein archives on the assertion that a niece delivered the SD to Adyar...especially if there is, or was no niece. Unfortunately, this is a movement that has all too often played fast and loose with the facts, often confusing with opinion or metaphysical fantasy. To gather the kind of attention that we need to we must be absolutely clear on the accuracy of what we say.

Leon Maurer is the reason for this search. He posted the article "What everyone should know about Einstein and the Secret Doctrine" at my request. He is the primary source of the information for this search and has been more than helpful at every step of the way. I'm sure that he will be happy to answer any questions anyone may have.

HPB writes quite a bit on the Kabbalah in the SD, but more so in her earlier book, Isis Unveiled, which is generally much more "Western" oriented. "Isis" was written before the move to India in 1878 so there is less Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism present.

[Michael A. Williams]

You've hit it, Joe, as per getting the Einstein SD book out and available. From my perspective, it seems as if a high ranking Theosophist will have to get behind this and initiate a serious book search at Adyar. What the protocol is on that procedure, I have no idea, but you might, or at least know whom to contact that would. I would think that would be the next practical step and present what we have so far: That Einstein knew of "The Secret Doctrine" and had a copy and there's credible hear-say evidence in Sylvia Cranston's HPB bio that someone, "niece" or otherwise, handed in Einstein's copy with his personal annotations to Adyar in the 1960's.

Has there been any word from the Einstein Archeves? You're right, there very well could be copyright issues here as regards to Einstein's annotations. I'm sure the Einstein Estate would have a vital interest in this. And would they want his name associated with Theosophy and Blavatsky like this? If an agreement wasn't reached, lawsuits could tie this up for years. Also, any annotation would probably be in his native language, German, so a translator would be needed. I don't think the final, published book could be given away free. But, I'm sure it would go into profit fast, as the interest would be from Scientists and science minded to Metaphysical people of all stripes.

Have you heard from Leon Maurer on this? Is he aware of this project to find the Einstein SD? What are his thoughts and suggestions? After all, it was his article that started it all.

Hopefully, Leslie will get some good news from her Mumbai contacts about relatives of the Wadia family soon.

As regards to Joy Mills, I didn't mean she put out any formal courses or lessons. I've just read summaries of a few of her books where it says she goes into how Theosophy can be used to benefit oneself on daily, practical basis. I'm meaning to check out one from the public library soon.

I didn't look into the Church of Light site that deeply, but agree with you completely about the West has its own esoteric spiritual traditions based in Hermeticism. In fact, this is where my personal interest is, having journeyed around the East off and on for years. I wish I'd gotten more into the Kabbalah in the past. Does Blavatsky go into the Kabbalah at all in SD or elsewhere?

I'll look into the Church of Light site a little deeper when I find time. Thanks for pointing it out. Till next time, have a good journey.

[Joe Fulton]

That is the $64,000 question. Once Adyar comes out and says, "yes, we have it" (if that happens) then life gets interesting. The ultimate 'goal' in our efforts is to find a way to get the book digitized and made available, freely, to all students. What that effort looks like, I don't know. Also, there may be other parties, not necessarily Theosophical, which may have a say in the matter, such as Einstein's family. The key, once we have confirmation of the book's existence is to keep our end goal in focus and not get distracted in side issues. If there are enough people, not only on this forum, but in the movement as a whole to raise a large enough voice can be raised to get the "Einstein SD" printed.

I'm not aware of the Joy Mills courses you refer to.

We're not worried about affiliations here. None, all, or any makes not a bit of difference. Just about everyone on this site is united in curiosity and the desire to understand. There aren't any dogmas, a few rules around stuff momma should have taught us (fetchin up!) about behaving online and that's about it.

The Church of Light is the C.C. Zain movement. I like their approach, as it has much more emphasis on practical teaching, specifically on various aspects of Hermetic, late medieval thought. Also, unlike Theosophy they have a reputation for keeping an awareness of innovation and build that into their teachings, which helps to diffuse any hero worship of Zain. Their concentration on "Western" modes of thought may be a bit grating to those who think mostly in terms of Hindu, Buddhist and other Oriental philosophies. But that's ok. Wisdom is all one and from what I've seen their material, if properly used is pretty good stuff.

[Michael A. Williams]

Thanks for the blog, Joe. You're right, there's more to go on this Einstein SD book situation. We're still waiting to hear from Leslie if her contacts in Mumbai have any leads to relatives in the Wadia family. They may know something. But, in the end, it seems to me, it will come down to convincing the Officials at Adyar to start a serious search for the book. What do you think on this?

Of course, the Einstein SD book was perhapssimply misplaced for several decades. Or, it very well could be that there really wasn't much notation by Einstein in it and was put aside as simply something that belonged to him once, but not any value beyond that. Or, perhaps some trickster started a rumor years ago to run a practical joke on Theosophy, for whatever reason, and it simply keeps persisting through the years, new layers being added as it goes along. Who knows at this point?

As for the rest of the blog, I must state up front I'm not a "card carrying Theosophist." I've read a lot about it through the years, since around 1970, and about Blavatsky. I'm also quite familiar with the J.Krishnamurti break-off and the whole situation around that, before and after.

I would say I'm a good friend of Theosophy. Reading over the the Quest Book catalogue, I noticed an excellent range of subject matter and authors covering various meditation approaches, Kabbalah, alternative healing, Quran, Gnosticism, Quantum physics, Jung, Ken Wilber, Tibetan Buddhism to the Vedas, Tarot to the Goddess, to you name it. I realized then that Theosophy really walks its talk when comes to allowing "complete freedom of mind" to exploring Life and the search for truth. This I liked. Most every other metaphysical/spiritual organization wants to steer you away from anything beyond its own Literature and writings.

I might add, I'm also interested in delving into the "Secret Doctrine" and finding out, among other things, what practical applications Blavatsky gives out. I understand Joy Mills has written a number of books on practical advice for Theosophists, is that so?

I've my own practical spiritual/self growth approaches that work for me, but I'm always open to something new. I don't consider myself a teacher or mentor of any sort in these matters, though.

What is this "Church of Light?" I Web Searched it and found two. Are you referring to the Church of Light in Japan run by a Osaka? Or the one organized around books by a C.C. Zain?

Well, much more to say, but I'll sign off and wish everyone well.