Theos-Talk Archives (February 1998 Message tt00079)

Feb .12 1998

Dallas writes:

In the 3rd article in the first issue of "The Theosophist" HPB's "What are
the Theosophists ?" speaks of the birth of the TS and of its constitution as
intended in that beginning (p. 6, col.2 bottom) -- it is a "Republic of
Conscience."

The Voice of Conscience is every member's man or woman, young or old member.
The T S has no dogmas, no creed. (p. 5, col.2, bottom)   Brotherhood is its
prime base.  Why ?  Because of the "one Supreme eternal Unknown, and Unnamed
Power, governing the Universe by immutable and eternal laws."  ( p. 3, col.
1 top ).  Theosophy is: "the archaic Wisdom-Religion, the esoteric doctrine
once known in every ancient country having claims to civilization...as an
emanation from the divine Principle...Buddh...
Nebo...Thoth...Hermes...Metis...Neitha...Athena..."  (p. 3, col 1, center)

The integrity of the TS as of any organization depends entirely on the
loyalty of the members, not to the "organization" as such, but to THEOSOPHY.
HPB herself, in 1889, made clear this distinction in a memorable article :
"A Puzzle from Adyar"  (Theosophist, Vol. 10, August 1889).  It is valuable
for members to acquaint themselves with her words and statements and make
personal applications.  The growth, persistence, and success of the TS
depends entirely on its loyalty to the Original Impulse and the Original
Program.  The "Three Objects" need to be thought over and considered.

If members are unacquainted with the history of the development of
Theosophical teachings and doctrines, this deficiency can be repaired by
re-reading the literature.  There is no substituting for the original
statements, although many have set themselves us as interpreters and
simplifiers.  Many have even said:  "If HPB were here now she would say --
so and so !"  Implying that they know better than HPB or the Masters what
ought to be said and done, instead of leaving it to the individual genius
and initiative of each student -- which is the real intent of THEOSOPHY.
And, this does not mean that what I write now is either true or correct, but
is only designed to draw attention to the responsibility that each one of us
has to discover what THEOSOPHY says and IS for themselves.

A similarity of understanding is that unifying bond that draws all of us
together, incarnation after incarnation in various situations as
personalities, and in various degrees of competence, but all of us are the
servers in some degree of the rest of humanity.  How else can vast and
impersonal ideas of law, of immortality, of continued efforts be shown and
spoken intelligently about ?

Brotherhood is both a conviction of unitedness and a state of living.  It is
spiritual, intellectual, sensitive and physical -- we share in each other
all the time, and cannot avoid it.  The speed of thought and feeling exceeds
by far that of light.  Once we are convinced of that there is no rook for
misunderstandings or secret motives.  Our hearts become bear -- plain as
motives to each other.  The trust that arises is the fruit of practical
brotherhood and is the healing of all differences.

To me, this is what Theosophy breathes and gives.  All the rest of our
search is the comparison of what we have learned or though with our brothers
who share in this vast, communal search for truth, for accuracy, and for
cooperation.  WE are the ones who bring again to birth and support that
continuing unity that makes the strength of the Theosophical MOVEMENT.

I hope that some of these ideas are thought by you to be useful  Let us
discuss and see if there is not an understanding and agreement about the
basis for our relations and our loyalties.  We ought to support all
organizations that are true to the original impulse of the Great Movement,
and make as sincere a commitment of support as we are able to understand the
need for.


Dallas