Theos-Talk Archives (July 2001 Message tt00093)

Wednesday, July 11, 2001

Dear Eldon:

I think your answer and comments are valuable. Let me add some
observations and my opinions for you to consider:

In U.L.T. (I would observe, having been an associate for over
half a century) and, according to the Declaration of the UNITED
LODGE OF THEOSOPHISTS, it offers free and non-directed services
to THEOSOPHY (I mean the ORIGINAL TEACHINGS). There is no room
for any kind of politics, and those who work, select their own
tasks and provide their own energy, funds and devotion. The
U.L.T. , in brief, advances PRINCIPLES for observation, and not
the passing opinions of PERSONS.

All associates of U.L.T. have only one "position" in the work --
that is, they are volunteers, and they are free to cooperate with
others when there is work to be done. Determination therefore is
either cooperative or individual. Over the many years U.L.T. has
existed on this tenuous principles of self-induced and
self-devised cooperative and interactive work that it has been
maintained, it has been found that "CONFERENCING" conserves
individual energy. It is recommended and adopted as the best way
in which to "manage" the work and purposes of the U.L.T. These
are:

1. To keep the "original Teachings" in print, and

2. To provide students, inquirers, anybody with a forum for
study and mutual consultation on the meaning of those "original
teachings."


I agree whole heartedly that the way to unite is on ideals. That
keeps us free of the power of individual opinions, or any kind of
"guidance." It emphasizes a very practical "brotherhood."

Historically, it can be observed that any kind of superficial
declaration of adherence usually ends in chaos and the confusion
of conflicting personal opinions, etc...

If individually those who are interested and devoted to THEOSOPHY
set to work to learn it, apply it to themselves, and are totally
non-critical of others and their efforts, they may then devote as
much of their energies to living according to the principles
Theosophy advocates, and to promulgating its philosophy and
doctrines. As I see it, then, there is no room for comparisons,
or criticism, but the door is wide open for anyone to make use of
the facilities offered at any time, as they choose. And in
addition there is always an opportunity to cooperate and assist
work that is always in progress, or, to develop fresh ideas and
methods of promulgation.

All work together and assist one another as individual students
do under a single teacher -- which in this case is not a person,
but an Ideal. It is held from the outset of the U.L.T. that
this Ideal is enshrined in the "original teachings."

Associations are useful for mutual study and for the publishing
of books, magazines, information, and providing a forum for free
discussion about the meanings to be found by individuals during
their study of THEOSOPHY. [Such study and discussion may be in
the original English language or in such cases where English is
"foreign, and difficult" efforts have been made to translate the
"original Message" into that language always with the proviso
that the English original ought to be carefully consulted and
compared by the student for accuracy of expression.]

If we look on THEOSOPHY as an expression of the records kept in
Nature ( Akasa ) of the development, progress and history of our
world and universe, as well as a description of the many
underlying and invisible works of Nature that sustain Life in its
many forms, then the question of ( personal or organized)
"authority" vanishes -- along with any kind of "politics." We
all have the same teachings to refer to, to question, to seek to
understand and to verify. If we can verify that they, in fact,
do represent IDEALS, then our support is to that extent
multiplied.

The reason for the existence of the U.L.T. is that there are
individuals who desire to study THEOSOPHY, with or without
consultative facilities. U.L.T. accommodates both positions and
insists on no kind of restriction or pre-conditions.

All are unconditionally welcome to share, or benefit from its
work. The non-political stress laid on associates is
deliberate -- so that time which might be devoted to such
activity is, instead, devoted to actual study and the seeking of
the meanings that are implicit in the "original message." It is
said that the "exoteric" forever enshrines the "esoteric."
Causes, energies, and the powers of life, forever underlie all
external forms and limitations.

One thing seems quite obvious: the Masters of Wisdom have
"broken the silence of centuries" with good reason, and this
message we have from Them through H P B, of Their THEOSOPHY,
comes at a crucial time for all of us, and for the future of
humanity.

How we make choices based on our reaction to it will of course
develop our future "Karma." That of course is inevitable, but
the importance of this time is to be recognized and stressed.

Best wishes,

Dallas


PS

Let me offer again the "Declaration" of the U.L.T. for scrutiny
and consideration. It is the only document whereon associates
volunteer to contribute what they determine to provide.

As you see it establishes no limits. And sets no norms or
criteria.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
--------------


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
Theosophists, 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.

______________________________________


[On the other side of this simple card is printed the DECLARATION
of U.L.T. .]


Copies of the DECLARATION, a list of its publications, and a
program of the regular monthly U.L.T. study classes and
activities are available from : --

THE UNITED LODGE OF THEOSOPHISTS,
245 W. 33rd St.,
Los Angeles, Ca., 90007, U.S.A.

Phone: 213-748-7244
Fax:	213-748-7244
Internet: http://www.U.L.T. .org


=========================


-----Original Message-----
From: Eldon B Tucker [mailto:eldon@theosophy.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2001 1:35 PM
To: theos-talk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Theos-World seeking an "passive unity"

Whenever a group of people gets together to do something,
there's an organizational structure. People get into a
habit where they participate a certain way. Some become
followers. Others take a leadership role. We can even see
this in a discussion class, watching how people behave
from week to week.

Some theosophical groups have an explicit structure.
The Adyar T.S. has a democratic model, where its leadership
is voted into office. Some people have voiced concern that
the election process isn't as open and flexible as it should
be. The Pasadena T.S. has an autocratic model, where the
head of the Society is in charge for life, appoints the
cabinet that runs the T.S., and delegates all power and
responsibility. Some have been concerned that this does not
allow enough for individual initiative and innovation in the
society. The United Lodge of Theosophists has an "there is no
structure model" policy, which means that the people taking the
initiative and making the decisions are underground, somewhat
self-appointing, and not apparent to the ordinary associate
until asking old timers how things work in that society.
Some may be concerned that this lends for a hidden control of
the organization where all participants don't have an equal say.
Yet another theosophical group in the Netherlands is organized
as a school, and only invites to membership someone having taken
a year or two of introduction courses.

Each organizational model has some strengths and some weaknesses.
Theosophists, regardless of which groups they participate in,
should feel a sense of brotherhood with each other. They should
feel free to work, play, and enjoy life alongside members of
all the other groups, as well as with non-joiners who also love
the philosophy.

The best model, I think, for bringing about more unity within the
Theosophical Movement might be called "passive unity." In this
approach, everyone is listed in directories alongside everyone
else. There is an awareness of the other groups and an openness
to participate in the activities of those groups. This is
different
than what I'd call an "active unity." With that approach,
everyone
would be required to take some positive step to "join" some
umbrella organization, listing service, website, etc., or to
"subscribe to" some "agreed upon" principles, which could be
endlessly argued over and debated. The passive unity approach is
best, I think, because everyone and every group is able to
continue
being what they are. We just try to become more open to each
other,
and respect the good that others are doing.

-- Eldon

--- In theos-talk@y..., "Frank Reitemeyer" <ringding@b...> wrote:
> Dallas wrote:
> 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.
>
> Frank answers:
> That is exactly the problem with the ULT and why the founder
Robert
Crosbie
> was kicked out - the unfitness und unreadiness to recognise the
duties and
> the wide spread of such poisoned, twisted thinking over the
decades
is on of
> the main reasons why the structure und organization of the
whole
theos.
> movement - whether ULT, Adyar, Pasadena - today is nothing else
that a dead
> body, a parody of the original TS.
>
> How can this wrong thinking of a single individual and his
unfitness to
> follow the clear instructions of the Masters and their
messengers
be a good
> thing or even an example which we should follow. We should
learn
from the
> past and not be proud about the mistakes of some unlucky
individuals. If
> there is no one who cares for organization then there will be
chaos.




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