Theos-World DTB = What is the U L T? -- How does it Work? -- What is its Future ?
Apr 17, 2000 05:55 AM
by W. Dallas TenBroeck
April 17th 2000
It seems to be a good time to make clear again what the "U L T"
(United Lodge of Theosophists) is and what it stands for:
U.L.T. -- MISSION & FUTURE -- NOTES
_________________________
What do we find in ULT?
1. Ideally, it is a group of volunteers, each, independently, is
devoted to the study and application of Theosophy.
2. They agree to abide by Natural Law.
3. They join hands and minds because there is that understanding
in them that is generous and recognizes a community of labor for
the general benefit of mankind and all other beings.
4. They see and grant independence in (and to) all other beings.
5. ULT will remain a living center so long as its DECLARATION is
used by all.
6. The ULT has one prime purpose: the preservation of the record
made by HPB and the Masters of that Theosophy They deemed to be
suitable for us to study and use.
7. In addition it provides a forum in which to discuss such
applications.
8. It makes no distinctions of any kind in regard to those who
come to it and assist it, use its services (all of which are free
of any charge) or inquire from it.
A. PRINCIPLES
An associate of U.L.T.:--
1. Pursues the three objectives of the age-old THEOSOPHICAL
MOVEMENT:--
1. Based on the immortal SELF in each one--a working
brotherhood. Morality is of mutual appreciation and support.
2. Demonstrating through observation and use of
impartial LAW.
All personal actions and words to be overt and direct.
3. Demonstrating that WISDOM is universal: has ONE
SOURCE.
Social and religious or racial differences are obliterated by
the fact of reincarnation and karma.
2. Avoids the distraction of formalities of any kind.
3. Study and understanding of THEOSOPHY is to be given first
attention.
4. The design for work: to serve others. First,
self-education, then promulgation.
5. Innate Self-knowledge is to be evoked from the spiritual
core of each associate. All proofs are interiorly subjective and
spiritual.
6. Self-reliance and cooperation are required to be developed
by a systematic suppression of selfishness and passion.
7. Application of truth in daily life is advocated. The Higher
Self observes this.
8. Individual responsibility, and collaboration by conference
methods is taught.
9. The evolutionary goal is graduation from the "School" of
Earth.
10. Matter is raised to self-consciousness as personal life is
purified.
11. Graduates are the Adepts, Elder Brothers, Mahatmas, Masters
of Wisdom, Buddhas, Dhyan Chohans, etc....
12. HPB and WQJ were "agents" in "our world" of the Lodge of
Elder Brothers.
13. Their writings are to be evaluated and checked for accuracy
and consistency by each one for himself.
14. Wisdom overcomes personal defects: fear, ignorance, pride,
selfishness,
each one to prove wisdom for himself. No authorities or leaders.
15. UNITY can be achieved through "similarity of aim, purpose
and teaching."
B. METHODS OF WORK USED
The U.L.T.:--
1. Is established for the study of the writings of H.P.B. and
W.Q.J. The Masters designated both H.P.B. and W.Q.J. Their
agents, and Their collaborators in the work of spreading
THEOSOPHY or TRUTH.
2. Study classes are primary to ULT work, so that a knowledge
of THEOSOPHY
may be acquired and constantly reviewed and deepened. Classes
may be around one and a quarter hours in length, and may include
reading or summarizing a text, studying the Declaration of ULT,
the Three Fundamentals ( of the Secret Doctrine Vol. I pp.
14-17), and a large part of the time is devoted to answering the
questions of inquirers. Care is taken to use original sources in
such answering. Speculation is avoided.
3. The real teachers are HPB and WQJ through their writings.
Each student is thus put into direct relation with Them. The
importance of study is emphasized. A publishing program exists
for this.
4. All Lodges of ULT are autonomous. Advice may be sought from
those with greater experience, and information is freely
exchanged.
5. An associate of ULT is an associate of all ULTs. It is an
alliance based on cooperative yet independent work. No fees or
dues levied.
6. Any commitment made by an associate is made to himself.
This develops a sense of independent loyalty to his Higher Self
within, which is also the SELF OF ALL CREATURES. This is one of
the paths to the awakening of the intuition, and in purifying the
personality.
7. For the benefit of the public, other meetings are held, such
as a public lecture (usually on Sundays), Theosophy School for
children, study class in the Bhagavad Gita, Dhammapada, The Key
to Theosophy (HPB), or The Ocean of Theosophy (WQJ). Every
meeting gives time to answering questions. A reading
and lending library may be maintained. A magazine may be
published so that a continued link is maintained between the
"original Writings" and modern discoveries and advances in
thought and research.
8. It may be seen that the philosophical concept of brotherhood
leads to real solidarity and unity. Study encourages individual
growth. This leads to inner freedom, independent moral strength,
a desire to coordinate one's work with
others, and dedicate it to the world in general.
9. Altruism in personal matters is found diffusing itself in
the relations that the student has with his family, office,
public, and social relations. It is through this personal work,
devised independently by each associate, that the wider work of
the Theosophical Movement is done, and that the student fits
himself to contribute to the betterment of the world.
10. Theosophical work is thus supported by individuals. ULT
policies are made by consensus, based on the basis of the
principles laid down in its "Declaration." No compulsion or
"authority" are recognized.
11. The future of the ULT will depend on these principles being
used and preserved by all who have voluntarily adopted them.
12. Publications are offered for purchase for a price as close
to actual cost as possible. These include photographic and
verbatim reprints of the "Original Writings" of HPB and WQJ and
of such others as may be seen to closely adhere to their original
teachings.
=======================
UNITED LODGE OF THEOSOPHISTS
DECLARATION:
The policy of this Lodge is independent devotion to the cause of
Theosophy, without professing attachment to any Theosophical
organization. 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 and the end it keeps in view are too
absorbing and too lofty to leave it the time or inclination to
take part in side issues. That work and that end 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.
It holds that the unassailable basis for union among Theo-
sophists, 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. And it aims to disseminate this idea among
Theosophists in the furtherance of Unity.
It regards as Theosophists all who are engaged in the true
service of Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex,
condition or organization, and
It welcomes to its Association all those 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.
"The true Theosophist belongs to no cult or sect, yet belongs to
each and all."
~
The following is the form signed by Associates of the United
Lodge of Theosophists:
"Being in sympathy with the purposes of this Lodge, as set forth
in its "Declaration," I hereby record my desire to be enrolled as
an Associate, it being understood that such association calls for
no obligation on my part, other than that which 1, myself,
determine."
Offered for consideration by
Dallas
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