Theos-Talk Archives (April 2001 Message tt00103)

>From what I gather, Eldon suggests that judging Radha's success (future
success?) concerns the type of Theosophy we would apply to "judge the
success." John is suggesting a publically available evaluation based upon
a standard. I had quipped that we might ask ourselves whether the TS is
better off now than twenty years ago when Radha first took office. These
three considerations are based upon utilitatian values--a value system that
tends to work well.

But Radha's bio addresses her family connections and the positions she held.
Nothing is said about what she has accomplished. Here is what I read
between the lines:

That her father was Sri Ram, who was fifth President, means that Radha
Burnier is Rukmini's Arundale's neice. Rukmini was married to George
Arundale, the fourth International President from 1934-1945. Aside from
the very short period that John Coats was in office, the same family has
been in control of the Adyar headquarters for over sixty years (I'm aware
that they are divided over the Krishnamurti question. But that is a
different issue). I find it notable that George Arundale was overwhelmingly
elected over Ernest Wood, after Jinarajadasa make public Annie Besant's
letters that she believed that the Masters wanted George Arundale to be
President. I also find it notable that Radha would come into office under
the story that it was Krishnamurti's wish that she run for President.

These considerations lead me to ask: What values might the voters be basing
their decision to keep the same family in office for over sixty years? The
only answer that comes to my mind is that the members are holding loyalty as
their highest value in determining who is to be President. Agree?
Disagree?

--jhe