WCP7119

[1] [[p. 93]¹

London, March 28th, 1892.

Dear Sir,

It is proposed to hold a Symposium in Lucifer of a few representative Spiritualists and Theosophists, with a view of clearly defining the points of agreement and difference in the two Schools, with regard to superphysical phenomena. The following questions have been sketched, as a basis for the discussion; it is proposed that each taking part in the discussion shall begin by stating his position on these points, limiting the statement to about a thousand words; the following month, these statements can be criticized and discussed by the same controversialists. I very cordially invite your assistance in the carrying out of this plan, which may help to clear away some regrettable misunderstandings.

Proposed Questions.

1. What do you understand by the word "Spirit"? Does it include all that survives the death of the Body, or do you distinguish between Mind and Spirit?

E.g., is the casting up of a line of figures an act performed by the Spirit?

[2] [p. 94]

2. To what agency do you attribute—

(a) The moving of physical objects.

(b) The materialization of human forms or parts of human forms.

(c) Automatic writing.

(d) Inspirational speaking.

(f) Speech during trance.

3. Do you think a disembodied Spirit — using the word Spirit as defined by you under 1 — can communicate with persons in Earth-Life? If you distinguish between Mind and Spirit, will you state clearly what you think can communicate, and what you think cannot.

4. Do you consider that physical death separates at once the permanent and impermanent parts of man, or do you believe in any further disintegration, and if so, what?

5. In what does mediumship consist, in your opinion?

Will you kindly let me know, at your early convenience, whether you will take part in the proposed Symposium? MSS. should be in my hands by April 26th at latest.

Sincerely,

Annie Besant