Theos-Talk Archives (July 2001 Message tt00069)

U L T Day LETTER 2001


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ULT DAY LETTER
June 25, 2001
Dear Friends and Associates,
Every year at this time, we pause to think about the work of the
universal Theosophical Movement, and to rededicate ourselves to
the task of promulgating the philosophy. This effort
traditionally includes a letter written by independent students
who feel the need to share an idea or two with others of like
mind. It tries to draw upon the experience of the past year for
encouragement and examples of how the work has spread. Upbeat
and positive, this letter always seeks to put our best foot
forward, modest as it might be.
Somewhere in the midst of every old cycle, a new one takes root
and begins to grow. Imperceptible at first, it is masked by the
activity of the previous cycle. Mistaken for part of the old
form, it is not yet strong enough to survive in the world alone,
so as it gradually gains strength, it waits for the opportunity
to become the future.
The United Lodge of Theosophists began as a radical idea. It
sought to provide a basis for students and inquirers to gather
together to study and promulgate Theosophy, without having to
worry about organization and structure, or elections and
officers - the "personality" of the world. It was an idea both
simple and profound, as it left the initiative for work squarely
in the hands of the students themselves. The term "member" was
dropped, and "associate" substituted to indicate those who shared
the vision of what this kind of relationship could mean. The ULT
idea had merit, and the number of associates and Lodges gradually
grew, several magazines were started and the original
Theosophical literature brought back into print.
However, the natural growth of ULT slowed at about the mid-point
of the Twentieth Century, and while the work and magazines were
continued by capable and devoted people, fewer new associates
became involved. This pattern was not unique to ULT, and has
been reflected in the experience of other Theosophical groups;
recognition of it provides an opportunity to reexamine methods of
work useful at this time.
Evidence of new seeds of a new cycle for the Movement have begun
to sprout. Fairly early in the Twentieth Century, the idea of
urging students "back to Blavatsky" and toward "unification"
became popular among those seeking to bring members of different
Theosophical groups closer to their common purpose. Much later,
in the Eighties, "Networking Conferences" were held, where for
the first time students from different Theosophical "traditions"
found they shared essential ties and basic principles. Joint
conferences and workshops marked the centennial anniversaries of
the lives and works of H. P. Blavatsky, William Q. Judge, and the
publication of Madame Blavatsky's The Secret Doctrine. Today,
one of the best signs of the health of the Movement is that most
Theosophical groups get along well with each other, and respect
their various roles in the work.
Promising and energetic work now often involves students of
different Theosophical backgrounds, sometimes including those
with no affiliation but who share an appreciation for the
teachings and a desire to share them with others. In cyberspace,
online discussion groups such as BlavatskyNet and TheosophyTalk
continue to grow steadily, well beyond organizational boundaries
and controls. A new monthly internet magazine, The Aquarian
Theosophist, has subscribers on all continents. Collaboration
between ULT associates and students of the Theosophical Society
has resulted in a strong Theosophy Center in Long Beach,
California. Continuing the energy that produced the annual
gatherings at Brookings, Oregon, a similar meeting this year on
August 11 and 12 in Cambria, California will consider
"Theosophy - Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times." (Inquiries can
be directed to any of the Lodges on the West Coast for further
information.)
ULT upholds a shared vision, composed of different
perspectives, rather than a single point of view, and it welcomes
each and every attempt to study the teachings. We are bound by a
similarity, not an identity of "aim, purpose and teaching." The
philosophy itself provides all that is necessary for a common
ground among students. ULT could be regarded as a general
outline for service to the Theosophical Movement, not a
one-size-fits-all form to be protected and maintained for its own
sake.
All true Theosophical work is based on the alchemy of the soul:
while central authority may be appropriate in some endeavors, the
work of studying and promulgating Theosophy is marked by the
necessity of freedom which is the hallmark of all spiritual
growth. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to change are
essential to the development of inner discrimination in
fulfilling the work of the Movement.
To mirror this, beginning next year, the "ULT Day Letter" will
try a new format. We invite all Lodges, associates, and study
groups to write to the Los Angeles Lodge about the work and the
challenges, the successes and failures they face in the study and
promulgation of Theosophy. These contributions will be shared at
this time next year as a "bulletin" about the work of all Lodges
and efforts. Submissions should reach Theosophy Hall in Los
Angeles by the first of April, 2002, to allow time for collation
and distribution. A reminder notice will go out asking for
contributions to next year's circular.
With Fraternal Best Wishes,
United Lodge of Theosophists

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TRUTH AND UNITY

"The problems of true Theosophy and its great mission are, first,
the working out of clear unequivocal conceptions of ethic ideas
and duties, such as shall best and most fully satisfy the right
and altruistic feelings in men; and, second, the modeling of
these conceptions for their adaptation into such forms of daily
life, as shall offer a field where they may be applied with most
equitableness.

"Such is the common work placed before all who are willing to act
on these principles. It is a laborious task, and will require
strenuous and persevering exertion; but it must lead you
insensibly to progress, and leave you no room for any selfish
aspirations outside the limits traced. . . . Do not indulge
personally in unbrotherly comparison between the task
accomplished by yourself and the work left undone by your
neighbors or brothers. In the fields of Theosophy NONE IS HELD
TO WEED OUT A LARGER PLOT OF GROUND THAN HIS STRENGTH AND
CAPACITY WILL PERMIT HIM. Do not be too severe on the merits or
demerits of one who seeks admission among your ranks, as the
truth about the actual state of the inner man can only be known
to Karma, and can be dealt with justly by that all-seeing Law
alone. Even the simple presence amidst you of a well-intentioned
and sympathizing individual may help you magnetically. . . . You
are the free volunteer workers on the fields of Truth, and as
such must leave no obstruction on the paths leading to that
field." ("Some Words on Daily Life," by a Master of Wisdom")
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