Problems and Decisions
Various Authors
Various Authors
Front
cover and back cover of “Health and Therapy”
A 2015
Prologue:
The
pamphlet “Health and Therapy” was first
published in the 1960s by The Theosophy Company, Los Angeles, California. Its
publication in 2015 is part of an effort led by The Aquarian Theosophist and its associated websites to make
relevant texts available to their readers in various continents.
The problems, issues, and decisions
raised and evaluated in this 48 pp. volume are relevant in the 21st century. The opening paragraph strikes a keynote that
resonates throughout the pamphlet. It says this pamphlet will appeal to and
inform those who:
“...Suspect that physical imbalance
or disease is not simply a scientific problem for the professional physician,
but also a practical problem for the individual to solve for himself. On the
one hand, the sense of well-being which we call ‘health’ cannot be guaranteed
to a patient by any man of medicine, while, on the other, numerous persons who
suffer from protracted illness or disease have converted their experience into
a greater degree of self-knowledge - and therefore a greater feeling of ‘well-being’-
than they previously possessed. Specifically, and from a metaphysical standpoint,
it is as though a person may need to learn from illness; as if nature requires,
at this stage of evolution, that each one discover for himself some of the ‘laws
of healing’ through various buffeting of psychological difficulty and physical
pain.”
The opening article on pp. 1-8 reminds
the reader that health, disease, and therapy can be approached as a
Theosophical study. These issues are examined in the light of the fundamental
principles of the philosophy of Theosophy, as well as the more specific
teachings on the sevenfold nature of the human being.
The text starting on p. 9 addresses
the results, risks, and harmful consequences of the practice of immunization
documented in the medical and scientific literature. An explanation for the
negative side-effects of immunization is offered from the teachings of
Theosophy. The author maintains that it is the right of individuals to consent
to this treatment. However, it is also their responsibility to inform
themselves of the risks and dangers.
“Current Status of Non-Physical
Healing”, which starts on p. 17, shows that there is a wide range of knowledge,
and motive, among practitioners of “mental healing”, “spiritual healing”, and
hypnosis. There are dangers involved which are described in the Theosophical
literature and have been observed by clinical psychologists and psychiatrists.
The article starting on p. 20 describes
the “Transition” which has occurred in scientific, medical, and societal
understanding of the role of mind in the causation and prevention of disease. It
concludes on p. 36:
“Every difficulty and tribulation,
including those of disease and mental disturbance, may provide the opportunity
for self-initiation. Arousal of the ‘will-to-meaning’, in Theosophic terms,
marks the beginning of a transition from psychic mind to noetic mind. As a man
accomplishes this transition through a series of progressive awakenings, he
discards the neurotic fears which diminish resistance to disease and other
forms of ill-health.”
The final part of the pamphlet
reproduces three articles as source material for the views expressed. These are
“Some Statements by H.P. Blavatsky”,
“Replanting Diseases for Future Use”
by W.Q. Judge, and “Mental Healing and
Hypnosis” by Robert Crosbie.
The importance and value of “Health and Therapy” goes beyond the
needs of those who are clinicians, psychologists, physicians and psychiatrists.
It is worthy of the study and consideration of all who desire to fit themselves
to be the better able to help and teach others.
(Steven H. Levy, M.D., from
Philadelphia, USA.)
000
In September 2016, after a careful
analysis of the state of the esoteric movement worldwide, a group of students decided
to form the Independent Lodge of Theosophists,
whose priorities include the building of a better future in the different
dimensions of life.
000
