Maha Chohan Letter - Revision history

Joe Hasiewicz: Image shows the word "deduced" not "deducted" also makes more sense in the context of the letter.

2024-06-01T18:02:39Z

Image shows the word "deduced" not "deducted" also makes more sense in the context of the letter.

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	<center>______</center>		<center>______</center>

	The doctrine we promulgate, being the only true one, must - supported by such evidence as we are preparing to give - become ultimately triumphant as every other truth. Yet it is absolutely necessary to inculcate it gradually enforcing its theories, unimpeachable facts for those who know, with direct inferences ~~deducted~~ from and corroborated by the evidence furnished by modern exact science. That is why [[Henry Steel Olcott\|Col. H.S.O.]] who works but to revive [[Buddhism]] may be regarded as one who labours in the true path of [[theosophy]], far more than any other man who chooses as his goal the gratification of his own ardent aspirations for [[occultism\|occult]] knowledge. Buddhism stripped of its superstitions is eternal truth, and he who strives for the latter is striving for theo-sophia - Divine Wisdom, which is a synonym of truth.		The doctrine we promulgate, being the only true one, must - supported by such evidence as we are preparing to give - become ultimately triumphant as every other truth. Yet it is absolutely necessary to inculcate it gradually enforcing its theories, unimpeachable facts for those who know, with direct inferences deduced from and corroborated by the evidence furnished by modern exact science. That is why [[Henry Steel Olcott\|Col. H.S.O.]] who works but to revive [[Buddhism]] may be regarded as one who labours in the true path of [[theosophy]], far more than any other man who chooses as his goal the gratification of his own ardent aspirations for [[occultism\|occult]] knowledge. Buddhism stripped of its superstitions is eternal truth, and he who strives for the latter is striving for theo-sophia - Divine Wisdom, which is a synonym of truth.

	For our doctrines to practically re-act on the so-called moral code or the ideas of truthfulness, purity, self-denial, charity, etc., we have to preach and popularise a knowledge of Theosophy. It is not the individual and determined purpose of attaining oneself [[Nirvāṇa\|Nirvana]] (the culmination of all knowledge and absolute wisdom) which is, after all only an exalted and glorious <u>selfishness</u>, but the self-sacrificing pursuit of the best means to lead on the right path our neighbour, to cause as many of our fellow creatures as we possibly can to benefit by it, which constitutes the true Theosophist.		For our doctrines to practically re-act on the so-called moral code or the ideas of truthfulness, purity, self-denial, charity, etc., we have to preach and popularise a knowledge of Theosophy. It is not the individual and determined purpose of attaining oneself [[Nirvāṇa\|Nirvana]] (the culmination of all knowledge and absolute wisdom) which is, after all only an exalted and glorious <u>selfishness</u>, but the self-sacrificing pursuit of the best means to lead on the right path our neighbour, to cause as many of our fellow creatures as we possibly can to benefit by it, which constitutes the true Theosophist.

SysopJ: /* Commentary about this letter */

2023-11-27T12:14:46Z

Commentary about this letter

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	insight the future lies like an open page’ — [[Koot Hoomi\|K.H.]], [[Mahatma Letter to H. S. Olcott - LMW 1 No. 16\|Letter 16]]), one of the three great [[Adept\|Adepts]] who form the ‘triangle’ of the great [[Brotherhood of Adepts\|Hierarchy]]. As the note from the Master KH says, the communication is not a letter written by the Maha Chohan himself, but the report of an interview.<ref>C. Jinarajadasa and unnamed subsequent editors, 130.</ref>		insight the future lies like an open page’ — [[Koot Hoomi\|K.H.]], [[Mahatma Letter to H. S. Olcott - LMW 1 No. 16\|Letter 16]]), one of the three great [[Adept\|Adepts]] who form the ‘triangle’ of the great [[Brotherhood of Adepts\|Hierarchy]]. As the note from the Master KH says, the communication is not a letter written by the Maha Chohan himself, but the report of an interview.<ref>C. Jinarajadasa and unnamed subsequent editors, 130.</ref>
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>

			For additional commentary see [https://archive.org/details/JinarajadasaTheMahaChohansLetterWithACommentary '''''The Maha Chohan's Letter with Commentary 1881]'''.

	== Notes ==		== Notes ==

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2023-09-23T15:32:51Z

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	'''NOTES:'''		'''NOTES:'''
	* '''”Perfect Lamas”''' evidently is a term used at the time to refer to the Bodhisattvas. Blavatsky also quotes the phrase “perfect Lamas or Bodhisatvas” in her article “Who are the Aryas and the Buddhists.”		* '''”Perfect Lamas”''' evidently is a term used at the time to refer to the Bodhisattvas. Blavatsky also quotes the phrase “perfect Lamas or Bodhisatvas” in her article “Who are the Aryas and the Buddhists.” H. P. Blavatsky Collected Writings Vol. 3, p. 303
	* '''Summum bonum''' is a Latin expression for "the highest good."		* '''Summum bonum''' is a Latin expression for "the highest good."

Pablo Sender: /* Page 5 */

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	'''NOTES:'''		'''NOTES:'''
			* '''”Perfect Lamas”''' evidently is a term used at the time to refer to the Bodhisattvas. Blavatsky also quotes the phrase “perfect Lamas or Bodhisatvas” in her article “Who are the Aryas and the Buddhists.”
	* '''Summum bonum''' is a Latin expression for "the highest good."		* '''Summum bonum''' is a Latin expression for "the highest good."

Pablo Sender at 23:45, 21 March 2023

2023-03-21T23:45:36Z

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	The '''Maha Chohan Letter''', also known as the Great Master's Letter, appears in print as '''Appendix II''' in ''' [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)\|''The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'']], 4th chronological edition'''. It was also published as '''Letter No. 1''' in '''[[Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom (book)\|''Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom, 1881-1888'']]'''.<ref>C. Jinarajadasa, ''Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom, First Series'' (Adyar, Chennai, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 2011), 33-11, 130-136.</ref> This letter, produced around 1881, is a summary by [[Koot Hoomi\|Mahatma K.H.]] of a conversation held with the Maha Chohan in reference to some arguments [[A. P. Sinnett]] and [[A. O. Hume]] were posing about reforming the nature of the [[Theosophical Society]]. For more information see below [[Maha_Chohan_Letter#Context and background\|Context and background]].		The '''Maha Chohan Letter''', also known as the Great Master's Letter, appears in print as '''Appendix II''' in ''' [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)\|''The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'']], 4th chronological edition'''. It was also published as '''Letter No. 1''' in '''[[Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom (book)\|''Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom, 1881-1888'']]'''.<ref>C. Jinarajadasa, ''Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom, First Series'' (Adyar, Chennai, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 2011), 33-11, 130-136.</ref> This letter, produced around 1881, is a summary by [[Koot Hoomi\|Mahatma K.H.]] of a conversation held with the Maha Chohan in reference to some arguments [[A. P. Sinnett]] and [[A. O. Hume]] were posing about reforming the nature of the [[Theosophical Society]]. For more information see below [[Maha_Chohan_Letter#Context and background\|Context and background]].

	This is considered to be the most important letter received from the [[Mahatmas]], for it contains the views of the [[Maha Chohan]] on the [[Theosophical Society]]. The original letter ~~was~~ not available ~~for many years~~, and Theosophists relied on copies of it made by several people. ~~Images~~ of ~~what may be the original have been~~ provided by a private archival collection, and they are followed by copies made in [[A. P. Sinnett\|Sinnett]]'s handwriting.		This is considered to be the most important letter received from the [[Mahatmas]], for it contains the views of the [[Maha Chohan]] on the [[Theosophical Society]]. The original letter has not been available, and Theosophists relied on copies of it made by several people. Here we reproduce images of a new copy provided by a private archival collection, and they are followed by copies made in [[A. P. Sinnett\|Sinnett]]'s handwriting.

	<br>		<br>

SysopJ: /* Physical description of letter */

2023-03-21T16:28:37Z

Physical description of letter

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	== Physical description of letter ==		== Physical description of letter ==

	The original of this letter is in a private collection. [[Alfred Percy Sinnett\|A. P. Sinnett's]] copy is at the British Library.<ref>British Library Folio 6 Additional MS 45289A.</ref> [[Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa\|Mr. Jinarājadāsa]] wrote:		The first transcription shown above, purportedly the original of this letter, is in a private collection. [[Alfred Percy Sinnett\|A. P. Sinnett's]] copy is at the British Library.<ref>British Library Folio 6 Additional MS 45289A.</ref> [[Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa\|Mr. Jinarājadāsa]] wrote:
	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
	But fortunately for us, copies were made, under instructions from the two Masters, of such parts of their communications to Mr Sinnett and Mr Hume as were instructional in their nature, and which gave an idea of the esoteric philosophy. This letter was copied and cyclostyled in London, and sent to certain selected persons. One such copy is among the papers of [[Charles Webster Leadbeater\|C. W. Leadbeater]], and I published the letter from it in my edition of 1919... I found a manuscript volume, in the handwriting of [[Francesca Arundale\|Miss Francesca Arundale]], which contained, among other extracts from the letters, this Letter 1. I have recopied the letter from these two manuscripts.<ref>C. Jinarajadasa, 135.</ref>		But fortunately for us, copies were made, under instructions from the two Masters, of such parts of their communications to Mr Sinnett and Mr Hume as were instructional in their nature, and which gave an idea of the esoteric philosophy. This letter was copied and cyclostyled in London, and sent to certain selected persons. One such copy is among the papers of [[Charles Webster Leadbeater\|C. W. Leadbeater]], and I published the letter from it in my edition of 1919... I found a manuscript volume, in the handwriting of [[Francesca Arundale\|Miss Francesca Arundale]], which contained, among other extracts from the letters, this Letter 1. I have recopied the letter from these two manuscripts.<ref>C. Jinarajadasa, 135.</ref>

SysopJ at 16:25, 21 March 2023

2023-03-21T16:25:56Z

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	The '''Maha Chohan Letter''', also known as the Great Master's Letter, appears in print as '''Appendix II''' in ''' [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)\|''The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'']], 4th chronological edition'''. It was also published as '''Letter No. 1''' in '''[[Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom (book)\|''Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom, 1881-1888'']]'''.<ref>C. Jinarajadasa, ''Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom, First Series'' (Adyar, Chennai, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 2011), 33-11, 130-136.</ref> This letter, produced around 1881, is a summary by [[Koot Hoomi\|Mahatma K.H.]] of a conversation held with the Maha Chohan in reference to some arguments [[A. P. Sinnett]] and [[A. O. Hume]] were posing about reforming the nature of the [[Theosophical Society]]. For more information see below [[Maha_Chohan_Letter#Context and background\|Context and background]].		The '''Maha Chohan Letter''', also known as the Great Master's Letter, appears in print as '''Appendix II''' in ''' [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)\|''The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'']], 4th chronological edition'''. It was also published as '''Letter No. 1''' in '''[[Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom (book)\|''Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom, 1881-1888'']]'''.<ref>C. Jinarajadasa, ''Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom, First Series'' (Adyar, Chennai, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 2011), 33-11, 130-136.</ref> This letter, produced around 1881, is a summary by [[Koot Hoomi\|Mahatma K.H.]] of a conversation held with the Maha Chohan in reference to some arguments [[A. P. Sinnett]] and [[A. O. Hume]] were posing about reforming the nature of the [[Theosophical Society]]. For more information see below [[Maha_Chohan_Letter#Context and background\|Context and background]].

	This is considered to be the most important letter received from the [[Mahatmas]], for it contains the views of the [[Maha Chohan]] on the [[Theosophical Society]]. The original letter was not available for many years, and Theosophists relied on copies of it made by several people. Images of the original have been provided by a private archival collection, and they are followed by copies made in [[A. P. Sinnett\|Sinnett]]'s handwriting.		This is considered to be the most important letter received from the [[Mahatmas]], for it contains the views of the [[Maha Chohan]] on the [[Theosophical Society]]. The original letter was not available for many years, and Theosophists relied on copies of it made by several people. Images of what may be the original have been provided by a private archival collection, and they are followed by copies made in [[A. P. Sinnett\|Sinnett]]'s handwriting.

	<br>		<br>

Pablo Sender: /* Sinnett Transcription Page 2 */

2021-03-12T23:57:14Z

Sinnett Transcription Page 2

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	his goal the gratification of his own ardent aspirations for [[occultism\|occult]] knowledge. Buddhism stripped of its superstitions is eternal truth, and he who strives for the latter is striving for ~~Theo~~-sophia, Divine Wisdom, which is a synonym of truth.		his goal the gratification of his own ardent aspirations for [[occultism\|occult]] knowledge. Buddhism stripped of its superstitions is eternal truth, and he who strives for the latter is striving for theo-sophia, Divine Wisdom, which is a synonym of truth.

	For our doctrines to practically react on the so called moral code or the ideas of truthfulness, purity, self-denial, charity, etc., we have to preach and popularise a knowledge of theosophy. It is not the individual and determined purpose of attaining oneself [[Nirvāṇa\|Nirvana]] (the culmination of all knowledge and absolute wisdom) which is, after all only an exalted and glorious selfishness, but the self-sacrificing pursuit of the best means to lead on the right path our neighbour, to cause as many of our fellow creatures as we possibly can		For our doctrines to practically react on the so called moral code or the ideas of truthfulness, purity, self-denial, charity, etc., we have to preach and popularise a knowledge of theosophy. It is not the individual and determined purpose of attaining oneself [[Nirvāṇa\|Nirvana]] (the culmination of all knowledge and absolute wisdom) which is, after all only an exalted and glorious selfishness, but the self-sacrificing pursuit of the best means to lead on the right path our neighbour, to cause as many of our fellow creatures as we possibly can

Pablo Sender: /* Sinnett Transcription Page 2 */

2021-03-12T23:56:14Z

Sinnett Transcription Page 2

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	his goal the gratification of his own ardent aspirations for [[occultism\|occult]] knowledge. Buddhism stripped of its superstitions is eternal truth, and he who strives for the latter is striving for ~~Theos~~-sophia, Divine Wisdom, which is a synonym of truth.		his goal the gratification of his own ardent aspirations for [[occultism\|occult]] knowledge. Buddhism stripped of its superstitions is eternal truth, and he who strives for the latter is striving for Theo-sophia, Divine Wisdom, which is a synonym of truth.

	For our doctrines to practically react on the so called moral code or the ideas of truthfulness, purity, self-denial, charity, etc., we have to preach and popularise a knowledge of theosophy. It is not the individual and determined purpose of attaining oneself [[Nirvāṇa\|Nirvana]] (the culmination of all knowledge and absolute wisdom) which is, after all only an exalted and glorious selfishness, but the self-sacrificing pursuit of the best means to lead on the right path our neighbour, to cause as many of our fellow creatures as we possibly can		For our doctrines to practically react on the so called moral code or the ideas of truthfulness, purity, self-denial, charity, etc., we have to preach and popularise a knowledge of theosophy. It is not the individual and determined purpose of attaining oneself [[Nirvāṇa\|Nirvana]] (the culmination of all knowledge and absolute wisdom) which is, after all only an exalted and glorious selfishness, but the self-sacrificing pursuit of the best means to lead on the right path our neighbour, to cause as many of our fellow creatures as we possibly can

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	To be <u>true</u>, [[religion]] and philosophy must offer the solution of every problem. That the world is in such a bad condition morally is a conclusive evidence that none of its religions and philosophies, those of the <u>civilised</u> races less than any other, have ever possessed the <u>truth</u>. The right and logical explanations on the subject of the problems of the great dual principles — right and wrong, good and evil, liberty and despotism, pain and pleasure, egotism and altruism — are as impossible to them now as they were 1881 years ago. They are as far from the solution as they ever were but, ––––		To be <u>true</u>, [[religion]] and philosophy must offer the solution of every problem. That the world is in such a bad condition morally is a conclusive evidence that none of its religions and philosophies, those of the <u>civilised</u> races less than any other, have ever possessed the <u>truth</u>. The right and logical explanations on the subject of the problems of the great dual principles — right and wrong, good and evil, liberty and despotism, pain and pleasure, egotism and altruism — are as impossible to them now as they were 1881 years ago. They are as far from the solution as they ever were but, ––––

	To these there <u>must</u> be somewhere a consistent solution, and if our doctrines will show their competence to offer it, then the world will be the first one to confess that must be the true philosophy, the true religion, the true light, which gives <u>truth</u> and nothing but the <u>truth</u>. An abridged version of the view of the [[Maha Chohan\|Chohan]] on the [[Theosophical Society\|T.S.]] from his own words ~~as given last night~~. ~~My own letter, the answer to yours, will shortly follow~~.		To these there <u>must</u> be somewhere a consistent solution, and if our doctrines will show their competence to offer it, then the world will be the first one to confess that must be the true philosophy, the true religion, the true light, which gives <u>truth</u> and nothing but the <u>truth</u>.

			<center>----------------------</center>

			An abridged version of the view of the [[Maha Chohan\|Chohan]] on the [[Theosophical Society\|T.S.]] from his own words.

			::::Signed. K.H.

			[[File:Six-pointed star with central dot.JPG\|center\|25px]]

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	his goal the gratification of his own ardent aspirations for [[occultism\|occult]] knowledge. Buddhism stripped of its superstitions is eternal truth, and he who strives for the latter is striving for ~~Theo~~-sophia, Divine Wisdom, which is a synonym of truth.		his goal the gratification of his own ardent aspirations for [[occultism\|occult]] knowledge. Buddhism stripped of its superstitions is eternal truth, and he who strives for the latter is striving for theo-sophia, Divine Wisdom, which is a synonym of truth.

	For our doctrines to practically react on the so called moral code or the ideas of truthfulness, purity, self-denial, charity, etc., we have to preach and popularise a knowledge of theosophy. It is not the individual and determined purpose of attaining oneself [[Nirvāṇa\|Nirvana]] (the culmination of all knowledge and absolute wisdom) which is, after all only an exalted and glorious selfishness, but the self-sacrificing pursuit of the best means to lead on the right path our neighbour, to cause as many of our fellow creatures as we possibly can		For our doctrines to practically react on the so called moral code or the ideas of truthfulness, purity, self-denial, charity, etc., we have to preach and popularise a knowledge of theosophy. It is not the individual and determined purpose of attaining oneself [[Nirvāṇa\|Nirvana]] (the culmination of all knowledge and absolute wisdom) which is, after all only an exalted and glorious selfishness, but the self-sacrificing pursuit of the best means to lead on the right path our neighbour, to cause as many of our fellow creatures as we possibly can

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:56, 12 March 2021
Line 188:		Line 188:
	{{Col-break\|width=55%}}		{{Col-break\|width=55%}}

	his goal the gratification of his own ardent aspirations for [[occultism\|occult]] knowledge. Buddhism stripped of its superstitions is eternal truth, and he who strives for the latter is striving for ~~Theos~~-sophia, Divine Wisdom, which is a synonym of truth.		his goal the gratification of his own ardent aspirations for [[occultism\|occult]] knowledge. Buddhism stripped of its superstitions is eternal truth, and he who strives for the latter is striving for Theo-sophia, Divine Wisdom, which is a synonym of truth.

	For our doctrines to practically react on the so called moral code or the ideas of truthfulness, purity, self-denial, charity, etc., we have to preach and popularise a knowledge of theosophy. It is not the individual and determined purpose of attaining oneself [[Nirvāṇa\|Nirvana]] (the culmination of all knowledge and absolute wisdom) which is, after all only an exalted and glorious selfishness, but the self-sacrificing pursuit of the best means to lead on the right path our neighbour, to cause as many of our fellow creatures as we possibly can		For our doctrines to practically react on the so called moral code or the ideas of truthfulness, purity, self-denial, charity, etc., we have to preach and popularise a knowledge of theosophy. It is not the individual and determined purpose of attaining oneself [[Nirvāṇa\|Nirvana]] (the culmination of all knowledge and absolute wisdom) which is, after all only an exalted and glorious selfishness, but the self-sacrificing pursuit of the best means to lead on the right path our neighbour, to cause as many of our fellow creatures as we possibly can