Theos-Talk Archives (July 1996 Message tt00041)

A short response to Jerry Hejka-Ekins on his note on 'Theosophy
in the computer era'

Jerry>

So what significance does a Victorian organization have in a post
modern society? Obviously very little.  If theosophy was
meaningful today, it would attract a significant percentage of
the population.  It does not, and will not unless it somehow
*connects with the needs* of our postmodern society.

Jhe- But what are those needs?

Different needs for different people I'd suggest.

The search for meaning is a personal quest, though there may be
some typical obstacles to overcome in that quest.  A
reorientation regarding values, etc.  is something that keeps
many people busy (or worrying).

There has been a big diversification of Schools, philosophies,
etc, in the west.  Theosophy is just one choice among many other
possible choices.

As an example: Buddhism is on a rise in our Western world.  This
is not a sad state of affairs, diversification is a natural thing
to happen, I'd suggest.  BTW, what about a survey on the needs of
people? Aren't there any data about those needs?

Jhe- How can the Theosophical Movement meet them?

The Movement is not identical with the TSs.  In my opinion the
Masters work through every individual and organization that help
people in their search for truth (or understanding the spiritual
or discovering what it means to be human, IOW to evolve the
potential of the human mind) and help to improve social
conditions.

It is very likely that it is by individual effort or by small,
dedicated, groups that effective work in this direction will be
done (in fact, is being done).  Theosophical ideas can be used to
formulate a new type of psychology (this has already been done to
a large extent by some).  This type of psychology can help people
to get a better understanding of their own nature and thus help
them to overcome obstacles on the Path.  Social work would be
great if TSs would have the resources for that.

Jhe-

How will the new technology help in meeting those needs?

The internet provides new possibilities of reaching people on a
wide scale.  Efforts, thus directed, will typically attract
attention from individuals (maybe from some organizations as
well).  It might be feasible to offer electronic courses to
individuals.

Jhe-

In what way does the values of the Theosophical Movement
interface with the very different values of today?

Theosophy is in its core a wholistic body of ideas.  That means
that a rephrasing or extension to this body could have value for
today's people.  It must be a rephrasing, extension,
reinterpretation that makes sense for the current era.  It would
be interesting to further research this particular topic.

Some suggestions:

It is in the psychological realm where an extension of Theosophy
would make a lot of sense.  People would be more able to relate
to Theosophy when it connects to current psychological findings
and psychic experiences (NDE's and OBE's for example).

It is contraproductive for TSs to remain in their almost autistic
states regarding the current world.  Effective communication
demands openness of mind, development of an understanding of the
needs of others (instead of thinking one has the monopoly on
truth and that everything can remain as it is now) and
cooperation with other, likeminded organizations.

Jerry> I hope that these and like questions become grist for
future discussion in future issues of Theosophy World.

I hope my response is a little contribution to the process of
reflection on the current state of affairs regarding Theosophy in
the modern world.

Martin