Theos-Talk Archives (November 1998 Message tt00098)

At 09:24 AM 11/10/1998 -0500, you wrote:
>It appears that any organization which wants to succeed in its mission, has
to keep up with the changing times and modify its approach towards its
mission. Using wrong approach at a wrong era cannot but lead to dismal
results, even leading to bankruptcy and disappearance of the organization.<

>Doss, you are saying here that the Pasadena method of Teacher/Student
is "wrong."  I am not sure about that. It has, after all, been around for
countless centuries.

Not at all.

On the other hand, there are two issues that come to my mind.

One is the relationship between the teacher/student, (which includes
perhaps the student blindly  following the instructions of the teacher) and
that relationship interacting/interfering with day to day administrative
matters (including the politics) of the (non-secret) organization.
(Personally no one can have any objection to anyone blindly following
anyone. It is after all the birthright of the person.)

The other issue is, the dissemination of the theosophical ideas to the
masses with the hope that it would have a significant good effect on the
masses. For the latter, a more democratic and less
authoritarian/hierarchical approach may work better in today's world.


>The only real problem with it lies in finding a
good Leader. If a Leader choices his/her successor, there is little
problem because anyone who is spiritually enlightened can recognize
that fire burning in the heart of another. The problem lies when no
successor is appointed, or if there is no spiritually-enlivened students
to pick from. I would rather serve under such a leader, personally, than
under one chosen by an election. Elections tend to pick Leaders who
are well-liked rather than ones who are well qualified. But both schemes
have their advantages and disadvantages and its kinda neat that we
have both today.<

Agreed.


mkr