Theos-Talk Archives (June 1996 Message tt00006)

>For my part, I am thrilled to have a fresh list with kind people
>to talk to about Theosophy. I have really high hopes for this
>board, and I hope that any disputes which MIGHT arise can be
>handled nobly.

>Rich Taylor

For my part, I would like to see a constructive discussion
concerning what we as theosophists can do to promote the TM.
IMO, the Organizations range from limited to worthless in their
ability to serve the TM in these times, and in some cases are
damaging to it.

I have made the following observations, and questions that I
would appreciate comment upon:

1. We live in an age where authority and doctrine are looked
upon with suspicion. Yet TS, TUP and ULT are all authoritative
and doctrinaire each in their own way. How can this be changed?

2. We live in an age were social and economic divisions are
growing more and more pronounced. The world needs a place where
people may meet in *unconditional* fraternalization. I don't
believe that the TS, TUP or ULT offer this. How can we address
these problems?

3. We live in an age of impending crises, whether they be
economic, ecological or social. I was pleased to see the five
points club at the Los Angeles ULT, where the children were
brought together in neighborhood service to plant trees, clean
graffiti etc. My daughter was a part of this club, and she, now
an adult, has positive memories about those activities and a very
positive attitude concerning her path finder days with ULT. But
this is the sole incident I have ever seen where a Theosophical
Organization was truly active in service. What can be done to
bring more of these kind of activities?

4. The one thing that Theosophical Organizations still do is
publish Theosophical books and teach "Theosophy"--though the
teachings differ from organization to organization. In observing
the TS, TUP, and ULT over the past thirty years, I have noted
that regardless of the organization, only a small minority really
understand the core theosophical teachings of that organization.
The rest either don't care about the teachings, or they depend
upon others to understand the teachings for them. The teachings
are supposed to be the bases upon which the respective
organizations base their values. But if few understand the
teachings, and the teachings vary among the organizations, where
does that leave the effectiveness of the TM in the Organizations?
What can be done to remedy this situation?

To the best of my observations, the above questions and problems
seem to lie at the core of the issues concerning the Theosophical
Organizations. Obviously, the changes that would have to be made
are extensive, and perhaps beyond what the Organizations are
willing or motivated to address. Yet the TM must progress, and I
feel that those of us who are more concerned with the success of
the movement than the continuation of organizations that have
lost touch with the times, some obligations here.

Jerry Hejka-Ekins