Theos-Talk Archives (July 1996 Message tt00045)

Martin:

So far, I haven't seen any reply to you from Jerry. Following are
some comments on what you wrote to him.

There are many choices available to Westerners, many possible
spiritual paths to be trod. As you say, there is Buddhism. And
there is a path associated with Theosophy, although it is less
obvious to the newcomer.

Your comments don't address an important point. There is, I think,
a dual purpose to spiritual reforms and the organizations that
arise to carry them out. First is to refashion the thought and
heart life of the general public, to lift humanity a little out of
the mud. This aspect you deal with. Second is to provide an
opening, for those that feel a call and whose karmic merit
permits, to trod the Path.

The two aspects are basically public work, on the one hand, and
the Mysteries, on the other. When you speak of connecting with the
needs of the populace, you're touching on the public work. Surveys
might be taken. Energies might be directed into social work. A
reform of existing organizations, with victorian baggage, could be
undertaken.

We could work on becoming more aware of the needs of the general
public and the common person's search for meaning. And out of
this work we might rephrase our introductory materials, perhaps
in psychological terms, and consider what is effective, getting
feedback and adjusting the work we do accordingly. This work
could involve improved cooperation with sister groups.

All this is fine. But it's only have of the equation, only the
surface or outer work. The other work is equally important,
although it's not something anyone can do, nor even something that
anyone would be able to identify, or agree even exists.

This involves our seeking out the Path, finding a sangha or body
of fellow travellers, and working on studies, personal training,
and activities that may not be appropriate for the general
public. The most basic activity, in this regard, is a deep study
and learning of the doctrines, becoming about to know and to pass
on knowledge of materials that may never be right to disseminate
to people in general.