Theos-Talk Archives (July 2001 Message tt00114)

Saturday, July 14, 2001


Dear Frank:


Since you ask about the work and activity processes of the U.L.T.
and what you might be able to do if you wished to use and work
with it, here is a short essay I had prepared on the subject.
And I hope it may satisfy you and set some of your doubts and
questions to rest.


Let me offer you (and other readers) a very brief summary of the
U.L.T. "position" in regard to your probing questions:


Best wishes,


Dallas

PS	If there are further queries, I will be glad to try to answer
them.



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


U. L. T.


PRINCIPLES -- WORKING -- CONTINUING

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

The UNITED LODGE OF THEOSOPHISTS was started in 1909 by a
group of students of Theosophy, of which, Mr. Robert Crosbie was
the best-known.

The desire was to establish a vehicle for the spreading
of pure Theosophy as recorded in the original writings of two of
the founders of the modern Theosophical Movement: H. P.
Blavatsky, and W. Q. Judge.

It was also desired that the association so formed be
free of any organizational procedures or the "politics" of
office.

All students of Theosophy, whether they already belonged
to an organization called "Theosophical," or otherwise are
welcome.

To become an "associate," the only requirement is for the
prospective associate to read and understand the "DECLARATION OF
THE ULT."

When it is grasped, the person, in complete freedom, may
subscribe to it, thus signifying a desire to be enrolled as an
"associate."

It states that they will always retain their own
uninfluenced integrity in deciding their participation in any of
the ULT activities. Everyone is placed on the same footing of
work and help in the ULT. Each chooses his own duties. There is
only one level of status: volunteer. There is a single method of
work consideration and distribution: conferencing between these
volunteers so that any new work proposed will dovetail with
existing patterns of work.

The activities at any ULT consist, of two definite works:

1. Reprinting the "original writings" of H P Blavatsky and
Wm. Q. Judge, and of such other material as may be in sympathy
with those original teachings.

2. Providing a meeting place where those "original
teachings" may be promulgated and discussed.

Generally, the work at a U.L.T. will be found to consist
of study classes, public lectures, discussion and question and
answer meetings. The publishing consists of books, pamphlets and
magazines. The contents of the "original teachings" are books
and magazines which are used to provide as accurate a
reproduction as possible of the original form in which modern
Theosophical teachings were originally made available.

The attempt is made to put all students and inquirers
into direct relation with HPB and the Founders behind the scenes:
the Masters.

In brief: all are welcome. No fees or dues are asked
for. No duties are assigned. All are volunteers and students.

Mr. Judge wrote in an article entitled: THE THEOSOPHICAL
MOVEMENT in his magazine THE PATH for August 1891 ( WQJ
ARTICLES, Vol. II, p. 125 )

"But the real unity and prevalence, and the real
internationalism, do not consist in having a single organization.
They are found in the similarity of aim, of aspiration, of
purpose of teaching, of ethics.

These italicized words used in the ULT Declaration
provide an unassailable "basis for union."

The fourth clause in the Declaration offers ideas
similarly phrased by HPB in THE KEY TO THEOSOPHY, where on page
230 she wrote:

"INQUIRER: What do you consider as due to humanity
at large ?

THEOSOPHIST: Full recognition of equal rights and
privileges for all, and without distinction of race, color,
social position, or birth."


The fifth clause speaks of the responsibilities that an
associate may assume. These were stated in an article HPB
published in LUCIFER, Sept. 1888. This includes the phrase "by
study and otherwise to help and teach others."

The closing affirmation of the ULT Declaration will be
found in an answer that Mr. Judge gave to "Adelphi"--in THE PATH,
February 1888, p. 344, (reprinted in WQJ ARTICLES, Vol. II, p.
462):

"We must bear in mind that the true Theosophist belongs
to no cult or sect, yet belongs to each and all..."


In 1912 magazine THEOSOPHY was first issued. It was
intended to use this monthly magazine to reprint all the articles
by HPB and WQJ that had gone out of print, for the benefit of
modern students.


ULT "STRUCTURE," POLICY and PROGRAM


ULT is as an "association" of volunteer students. It
exists to provide a forum, where those who would collaborate
independently, could do joint work for study, promulgation, and
the maintaining in print of the original teachings. It was
anticipated that this effort would be sustained and continued.
Its informal constitution was designed to preserve Theosophy for
the use of all sincere students.


In all cases, associates were to determine for
themselves, then jointly, by consultation and consensus, what
they would individually, or cooperatively contribute in
sustaining this effort. The independence and autonomy of the
individual was assured as an essential factor for this work to
succeed. The criteria for the evaluation of any proposal of work
was to be sought in the precedents established by HPB or WQJ, in
common sense, and in both individual work, and such voluntary
collaboration as might widen a useful proposal for Theosophical
work.


The collaboration and devotion thus evoked, has enabled
the ULT to continue growing with vigor, and in a sustained manner
for now, over 90 years. Its principle objective: the
maintaining in print of the original writings of HPB and WQJ has
gradually been re-adopted by other Theosophical organizations
that have printing facilities.

Other ULT centers (Study Groups and Lodges) have been
started, using the same basis, each being autonomous, but
fraternally affiliated with all the rest, and using as a common
basis the "Declaration of ULT."


THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ASSOCIATE


An associate of the U.L.T. endeavors to pursue the three
objects of the age-old Theosophical Movement to the extent that
he is able to understand them, and sees that he can freely choose
his area of cooperative work

The fundamental concept is that he will always function
as an independent immortal SELF, while adjusting his integrity
and freedom of choice to that of others around him. This is the
essence of cooperation.

Each one has the innate responsibility of free choice.
Brotherhood is considered the best description of an ideal
personal life-attitude towards all others. This concept is based
on the Unity of the Universe in which we live. The laws of
Nature operate everywhere, and are the same for all: fair, just
and impartial. Each is expected to do the best that he can, and
avoid conflicts of personality which may afflict his brothers'
future and his own.

The Universe may be described as being infinitely
sensitive to the needs, rights and privileges of ALL its
components. Each of these many beings has its own level of
achievement indelibly imprinted on its eternal nature. Taken and
considered as a "host," these are the Monads, the ETERNAL
PILGRIMS, whose chosen Goal is Sublime PERFECTION.

As an associate, each volunteer strives to guide in
patience, calm and harmony his thoughts, feelings, and deeds. He
seeks to embody the wisdom he has acquired practically, in his
daily, self-examined life. He perceives that his onward progress
and growth is the appreciation of the worth that each of the many
scattered fragments of the One SELF manifest in themselves. And
this is to be done without in any way abridging their free will
or rights.

He gives his first attention to learning what Theosophy
is, through study, and in providing the same opportunity he has,
to as many as he may contact. This implies keeping available the
teachings of the great Messengers of Theosophy, and distributing
them by word of mouth or in printed form.

To deepen his understanding and to widen his knowledge of
Theosophy he makes a point of attending such meetings of the ULT
as are available, thus providing those classes with the benefit
of his preparation and study, his presence and thought for the
benefit of the whole group.

Since magazines and books are published he would endeavor
to see that their circulation is increased, that contributions in
articles and questions or answers are made, and that the text
books of Theosophy are kept in print.

A public library or libraries may be kept supplied by him
with books of the original teachings of Theosophy. Many an
inquirer has come the ULT after finding a copy of THE SECRET
DOCTRINE, ISIS UNVEILED, THE KEY TO THEOSOPHY, or THE OCEAN OF
THEOSOPHY on the shelves of a public library.

The distribution of tracts and of Programs of Activity at
U.L.T. Lodges on subjects discussed and taught by Theosophy is
important. Valuable students have come to ULT on picking up a
program in a bus, or a waiting room. Several of these
"give-aways" are available to those who want to distribute them.

All commitments made by associates are made internally
to their HIGHER SELF (Atman). The "Associate Card" is specific
on this. This follows the law of the evolution of consciousness.
We rise or fall according to the efforts we put into our
progress; so too, in Theosophy. The duty of each volunteer is
to find a place where his abilities can best be used.
Cooperation is an intimate aspect of true brotherhood.

This is the root of moral strength, since it is not
dependent on an external code, creeds, appearance, or any belief
or person. It arises from each one's Mind-Soul determination.
Each associate, as a personality, faces his own "HIGHER SELF"
( the ATMAN within ).

Each student is set by Theosophy squarely upon his own
feet, but he is also assured of the friendly interest and
companionship of those who have determined to follow a similar
course of work and discovery--of themselves, and of Nature.

No compulsion of any kind is in any way or at any time
permitted or contemplated. Each one advances strictly according
to his own choices.

Unity, Study and Work are the watch-words of ULT.

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


WORK


The first duty all that confronts all students is study.
We have to acquire, or reawaken a memory of Theosophical ideas.
Much that we have learned in this life should be reviewed in the
light of Theosophical doctrines. We have to learn what Theosophy
is. Assistance in this is given in THE KEY TO THEOSOPHY by Mme.
Blavatsky and in THE OCEAN OF THEOSOPHY by Wm. Q. Judge.
Statements made in these books should be mastered.

The basic ideas are: first, the concept of Universal
Unity. A cause and reason exists for all manifestation. We can
see that we are dependent for our own present living (air, food,
water, public services, etc.) on the support and goodwill of many
other beings. Solidarity and brotherhood are facts. Every man
is a unit in Nature. The law of the Universe is called Karma.
It works equally and universally, and is sensitive to the actions
and needs of all beings. It brings exact effects back to those
who generated causes for them. Reincarnation of our Spirit and
Soul-Mind is the method of human progress and advancement using
successive bodies.

In this study use is made of the seven-fold division of
qualities and functions that is seen both in nature and man. The
study of the origins and development of the World and of mankind
are considered. Social situations and ethical and moral issues
are fully considered. The facts of Science are always
considered, but its theories and hypotheses are questioned for
fundamental validity.

Keeping books and publications available for use by
others follows.

Talking of Theosophical principles when asked or when in
sympathetic company is encouraged.

Participating at meetings and promulgating what one has
learned is needed.

Letting others who may be interested in Theosophical
principles and views is important, know where they can be found.
This is important.

Volunteering to assist at ULT Lodge functions and work.

Assisting financially for the maintenance of the work of
ULT is also needed. This is purely voluntary.

If one refers to the last articles that have been
published by ULT in Mr. Judge's COLLECTED ARTICLES, Vol. 2, one
will find many of these deal with methods of Theosophical work
employed by him and the student around him in spreading Theosophy
to others. We can use and adopt these in the present, or assist
in those which are already being implemented.

It should be clear that the example of our lives and
speech are the most potent aspects of practical Theosophy which
we can offer to others around us.

THE TRUE THEOSOPHIST BELONGS TO NO CULT OR SECT,
YET BELONGS TO EACH AND ALL.


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


Offered by DTB





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

-----Original Message-----
From: Frank Reitemeyer [mailto:ringding@blinx.de]
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2001 2:42 PM
To: theos-talk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: Theos-World seeking an "passive unity"

>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.

Dallas, when I join now the ULT then I am free and can select my
own task as
you say, don't?
Can I then write up an article on a subject of my own and let it
then
publish in the ULT magazine?
Or is there someone within the ULT who has selected as his own
task to
prevent my article?
If that is possible I join just today the ULT.
If not so, who decides, what are the original teachings?

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

As I cannot see any discussions or presentation of different
ideas in the
ULT magazines one can only come to the conclusion that the ULT
either
a) has a secret dictatorship or
b) consists only of high developed adepts who know all.

Furthermore I wonder why you bother the readers every week with
your ULT
Declaration. A group which has a need for such silly commercials
cannot be
very theosophical. And esoterically speaking it counts for
nothing what the
ULT writes on the paper. I am more interested in that how it is
lived. When
I say in Cuba and China is no freedom and you present me
every week
their constitution where human rights are praised it would count
for nothing
to me.

Fact is that in the mailing lists which are managed by ULT agents
there is
censorship and books from the Theosophy Publishing Co. are here
and then
faked.
Frank






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