Theos-Talk Archives (August 1998 Message tt00008)

Gentlemen:
    I hated to put forth the idea of the TS as a modern mystery school, and
then not take part in the discussions, but then I have been at Olcott for the
convention and summer school, and am just not trying to catch up.
    Some of the ideas posted against the idea of the TS as a mystery school
seem to reflect a lack of knowledge of that institution and its benefit to
ancient societies.  As I have an interest in such things, older sources such
as Leadbeater, GRS Mead, and also many modern books have given much detail on
the contribution of the mysteries in the ancient word.  In Greece, as in many
parts of the ancient world,  most intellectually and spiritually-minded
citizens were initiates, at least of the lesser mysteries.   The mysteries
were major pillars of those societies.   In short, they taught the Theosophy
of their days.    What was their worth?  I guess that begs the question, if
one doesn't believe that the TS is much more than a debating society.
    Another replied that they never knew anyone in the mystery schools.  This,
of course, is to be expected.   It has been said repeatedly that the oath of
secrecy in ancient times was considered so binding that it was rarely broken.
Except for some new age initiate-wanna-be's who brag about their high
spiritual development and the Masters whom they know personally, don't expect
to hear about any real initiations anytime soon.
If you read the Diaries of Geoffrey Hodson,  published several years ago,  he
detailed his own experiences with the process of secret spiritual growth and
he said that the TS was a mystery school, whose major purpose was to attract
worthy candidates, many of whom had taken part in the mysteries in past lives,
for education and spiritual growth.  The ultimate purpose was for those who
demonstrated spiritual development and a desire to be of service to others to
be made direct students of the Masters, perhaps as he had been.  He also made
the point, as had leadbeater before him, that these initiations did not take
place on the physical plane, and that absence of ritual and initiation
ceremonies by TS members did not denote the absence of such on other planes.
     A

that they didn't believe in the concept of mystery school because they didn't
know much about it,