Theos-Talk Archives (February 1998 Message tt00301)

Feb 21 1998

Dallas writes:

Dear Thoa:O and Doss and friends:

As you see seeds of thought are sent out and sometimes written --
no one should expect response -- but, the effects last wherever
they fall.

It is no use trying to move either individuals or groups.
Individuals constitute groups and either they move dynamically,
(with or without sympathy) or they, as individuals, allow
themselves to be swallowed and moved by the inertia of the group.
No one "escapes" the karma of their choice.  Even not choosing is
"a choice."

In this case we have THEOSOPHY.  As I sense it most wonder what
Theosophy is, exactly. They like the idea of brotherhood. They
like the idea, perhaps of an invisible and strange world, (within
and behind and perhaps interactive with the visible physical),
but they are not sure as to what it is or how it works, perhaps,
even, they do not want to know !   Some have come to
Theosophy from "spiritualism, channeling, trance experiences," etc... and
like the explanations which seem to satisfy the idea of the
personal links through curiosity and a desire to probe the
invisible, and, perhaps hear something valuable from those
energies that claim to be the deceased ... and so on ...

When confronted by the concept of an immovable LAW  and Laws that
move the whole of Nature, they either accept, investigate, or
reject -- Why should I be ruled by anything ?  Why should I not
be able to escape ?  Why should I be, or am, punished ?  Why
should I not believe that I have heard a message from ---
or ----!

Some rebel against being "immortal."  I would rather live this
one happy/miserable or whatever life and not be bothered by the
strange views of Theosophy!  But, a lingering doubt itches:
Perhaps what Theosophy says is true !  Perhaps someone will come
along who can find a path that shifts from one secure foothold to
another, and I may learn to skip with them !  Or, perhaps there
is a foolish God up there who likes to be praised and prayed to,
like some proud and ambitious mortals enjoy !  What is true ?  In
any case, Theosophy is tolerant and brotherly and I can enjoy
being amused by the writings of those who think it valuable to
write on such matters !

And, so on... a thousand other reasons and motives exist...  None
of these are "wrong," nor should they be derided.  It is only
that they shy away from the hard work of finding out with
certainty what is true.  Authorities are then sought for, and
when selected their dicta is accepted, or followed, without much
further critical thought.  Of such things are politics and
leadership constructed.  Theosophy on the other hand places each
individual on his own responsibility.  No one can be blamed
except ones' self for bad or ill advised choices and decisions.

So that is why I am of the opinion that we ought to let the
various "Theosophical bodies" settle their own internal affairs,
and let those who want to search for Theosophical values do their
searching, knowing that there are always some who are willing to
listen and respond to honest inquiry.  We can all grow in wisdom
if we get together and work constructively.

In another positing Doss you said that you could be welcomed at
either a T S or a ULT Lodge if you visited.  True.  The T S might
ask for your affiliation.  The ULT will not.

The ULT has a Declaration of Policy which reads (in part):

  "the policy of this Lodge is independent devotion to the cause
of Theosophy, without professing attachment to any Theosophical
organization...It holds that the unassailable basis for union
among Theosophists, wherever and however situated, is "similarity
of aim, purpose and teaching," and therefore has neither
Constitution, By-Laws nor Officers, the sole bond between its
Associates being that basis...

It regards as theosophists all who are engaged in the true
service of Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex,
condition or organization...

It welcomes to its Association all who are in accord with its
declared purposes and who desire to fit themselves, by study and
otherwise, to be the better able to help and teach others...

It is loyal to the Great Founders of the Theosophical Movement
but does not concern itself with dissensions or differences of
individual opinion...

The work it has on hand...is the dissemination of the Fundamental
Principles of the Philosophy of Theosophy and the exemplification
in practice of those principles, through a truer realization of
the SELF;  a profounder conviction of Universal Brotherhood.
...."

Any one can make use of the ULT facilities.  No one asks who a
visitor is, or what their affiliations may be.  No dues or
contributions are ever solicited.  Each ULT Lodge or "Study
Group" has its own independent schedule of activities and study,
and if it maintains a library, the literature there is available
freely for those who want to read or purchase.  One of the prime
reasons for the existence of the ULT is to keep available and in
print the "original teachings of Theosophy" as "recorded in the
writings of H.P.Blavatsky and Wm. Q. Judge."

The ULT exists since 1909 on this basis.  Its Declaration is the
only documentary basis for its existence.  It does not solicit
membership.  Its doors and facilities are open free to all who
seek and study and wish to help others with their efforts.  90
years of work lie behind the many who have so loosely, yet
individual, have strongly joined together, "as they have decided
for themselves," to support this kind of independent and
inclusive work where all, without any restrictions, are welcome.

I mention this because it is such a contrast to the T S.  Each
have their place in the scheme of things and the measure of their
value is to be decided only in terms of the inner progress that
each individual achieves.  There is serious work afoot, as I see
it.

It should be well understood that these are my own personal
views.


Dallas

>From: "Thoa Thi-Kim Tran" <thoalight@aol.com>
>Date: Saturday, February 21, 1998 11:10 AM
>Subject: Miami


>Doss:
><snip>
>>The fundamental question is how do we restore the trust and
credibility.
>>Usually restoration is a long drawn out process and I hope we
can all put
>>our heads together and see what can be done.  Any ideas from
anyone is
>>welcome. Please provide feed back here!
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