Theos-Talk Archives (July 1996 Message tt00055)

James S Yungkans wrote:

> Rich Wrote:
>
> "The group was very mixed, some Bailey students, some
> Krishnamurti students, some HPB/Judge people, and we had
> disagreements, but I was always amazed that insight did come
> through, and largely BECAUSE of the variety of viewpoints."
>
> This is EXACTLY what made the theosophical society grow in the
> first place.  This is a prime example of the second object
> (Comparative Religion), and how it is supposed to work.  No-one
> has to agree, but things are discussed "Round Table" fashion.
> How else can we learn what our "Brothers" have to say.
>
> Why can't we do this today in our current study groups.  Say we
> dedicate at least 70% to the study material, but allow at least
> 10-20% outside sources, be it Bailey, Heindel, Steiner, wicca
> (Ich), buddhistm, etc.  Then, afterwards, we would understand our
> THEOSOPHICAL material so much better, rather than groping in the
> muck of IGNORANCE! After all, isn't this what brought about all
> of those early books on various religions written by
> theosophists.
>
>
> James:

The above would be wonderful if it was to be so.  I am coming to
terms with the fact that many of our members do not want to put
in the effort necessary to participate in such study groups. From
the examples of Rich and others I have balanced out my
enthusiasm and will go to study group every Saturday even if I am
the only one there.  I will put it out and wait to see what comes
back.  I think it will be non-members who will eventually turn
up.  I wonder if members really understand what treasures for
understanding their world, are sitting in their libraries and in
the hearts of one or two keen Theosophist in their midst.  If
they did, would they care? When I tell our 22 members that it is
soon time for a new president, they become invisible and just
shelve the idea for the future.  There is not one who even want
to be vice-pres, let alone pres.  Some, I know, are into other
teachings but remain paid up members because they like the
friendship and the library so they float along when they can but
their interests and loyalties are elsewhere.  I wonder if holding
a group as above, of these members so that they could discuss
their own interests could work as a whole.  It is fine for
discussion purposes but that may still only bring them into
contact at that time only, because the Lodge is still basically
for theosophy as taught by whoever it considers the founders and
so actually teaching Yogananda etc for these other members may
not be in the ultimate interest of the Lodge.

Just some idle thoughts.

Bee