Theos-Talk Archives (March 1998 Message tt00078)

At 03:47 PM 3/7/98 -0700, you wrote:
>Although understandable, I feel it is unfortunate that so much energy goes
into
>the discussions about the problems with the theosophical leadership. It
seems to
>me that the people who are whining about it get limited and drawn down in
>consciousness. All of us have access to these wonderful teachings. Lets take
>them, each one of us, and make our lives expressions of them. Lets fid the
>activities where we can make a difference! If this or thatTheosophical
>organization is dysfynctional, lets just move on and get on with our lives
and
>path.
>
>Bjorn

Sometimes we don't always notice a purpose behind, for instance, TS
politics until we look back on it after some time has passed. While many
items of discussion may not have been pleasant from personal viewpoints, in
a larger sense they may have served a purpose beyond simple explanation.
Bringing leadership into a spotlight perhaps sparked some to send love to
them, (especially if the readers felt they were abused - snicker.) Perhaps
there was a linking up with them on an inner level and what we read here
was just an outer manifestation of the inner reality.

There's a wisdom present behind any group activity that isn't particularly
dependent upon any one of the group's individuals. We shouldn't always
blame any of the members for causing trouble, because even if things were
not stirred up by that one member, backlash might still occur if the group
calls it into existence.

I think we should take an active interest in the running of our
organization, partly because while I was working with the staff at our
national headquarters as an employee, I noticed an increased enthusiasm  in
people who felt they could be positive effects upon the members. I was so
used to thinking in terms of service to humanity that service to the
members of the T.S. wasn't to relevant at first, but when thought about and
observed in action, became a good idea in my mind. When you try to stand
for the organization as part of its administration or part of its team, you
take upon yourself a responsibility which brings out the best in a person.
I was one of those members who wanted to study and meditate and purify, but
without much regard for the good sense that is shown by someone's
advancement up the ladder of "outer" achievement. Outer achievement is
nonetheless a real indication of people's approval and appreciation of your
concern for them.

While I loved and eagerly read the theosophical literature, loving the T.S.
members produces a more holistic type of character. It doesn't take active
involvement to be able to sit and read and think. Here's how the process
took place in me while I was on staff.

1. A visiting member expressed her leadership qualities.

2. It sparked (in me and others) a general attention to matters of protocol
and        management.

3. It didn't seem so bad to "just offer" my services. The organization had
done a lot for me and perhaps it was time to do an about face and offer to
give some of what I had received.  If someday I could serve in an
administrative or leadership role, I would be honored to do so because they
deserve all of their members who are "receiving" to stand up and voice
their willingness to return the "gift." I really changed because of this
one member's courage to step into this role even unasked.

4. It dawned on me that an organization really does at some point need to
make its own needs felt in terms of training, preparing some of its members
to take representative roles, choosing from among all of the eager
"students" those who might be right to "consider the needs of all of us."

5. The T.S. has students and from this group of students we can develop
workers, people who are willing to set down their studies and enter the
practical affairs, even at great cost to their own "intellectual
understanding." What we lose in intellect, we gain in heart.

In summary, being part of this group is slightly different than voicing
opinions and thoughts as if we were individuals. Groups have lives of their
own and what may seem unnecessary while we're doing it, can become some of
the best memories and can make a lot more sense when we look back on it.

Brenda