Theos-Talk Archives (February 1998 Message tt00312)

Is there anyway to find ULT meeting groups in a set area? I live in
Missouri, USA and unless they advertise in the phone book or newspaper, how
do you locate one? The closest "big" cities to me are Joplin and KC and in
Kansas- Pittsburg or Fort Scott. Any suggestions?

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> From: "Dallas TenBroeck" <dalval@nwc.net>
> Subject: Re: thoughts about Theosophy, the TS and the ULT
> Date: Saturday, February 21, 1998 7:08 PM
>
> 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!
>                                                 SNIP        SNIP
> SNIP
>
>
>