Theos-Talk Archives (July 1996 Message tt00042)

Dear Bee:

Your motive to share every little bit of understanding is what's
important.  It sends out a current of Thought, even if very few
are drawn into it.  You probably remember that William Q.  Judge,
addressed an empty room at first, which it time grew to the large
Aryan, N.Y.  lodge.  In time his efforts allowed over 100 lodges
to develop across the nation.  Did you ever read his article
"Each Member a Center?" If not, I can try to type it out for you,
and submit it to Theos.Papers.

I do not think we are equipped to start up Esoteric Groups, which
were begun by Adepts for the purpose of preserving the Mysteries
when they became corrupt.  We can, however, as individuals find a
link with the Master within, and eventually be worthy to be a
part of the Stream of teachings which those mystery schools
preserved.

Perhaps it would be wise to start your group with ~The Key to
Theosophy~ or ~The Ocean of Theosophy.~ rather than jumping into
the ~Secret Doctrine~ with new seekers.  Every book has its
disciplines in one sense, and so may influence the way a group
can work.  With the ~Secret Doctrine~ class we have (about seven
regulars) we notice a value in pursuing the footnote references
where possible.  The Wizard's Bookshelf series is in print today
which helps to do so.  However, we also augment with references
to current scientific journals.  For instance, Eldon shared ideas from
~Discover~ magazine (as seen via Electronic Journal?) and we
were able to see how they dovetail with H.P.B.'s comments on the
limited information of 19th Century Science.  Another student
frequently refers to ~Science News~ which she subscribes to.  We
have students from different affiliations, who bring in
references from non-T.S.  sources.  I feel this is healthy and
allows for the "mind-stretching" Eldon thinks desirable.

Sorry I can't give more time to this valuable discussion,

Dara