Theos-Talk Archives (July 2001 Message tt00197)

John,

Does Dallas' reply below on ULT satisfactorily answer your questions 
about the ULT organization and how it functions on a day to day 
basis? 

Daniel
http://www.blavatskyarchives.com/


--- In theos-talk@y..., dalval14@e... wrote:
> Friday, July 20, 2001
> 
> 
> 
> Dear Dan:
> 
> I recently published, to answer inquiries my own observations as
> an associate of the U.L.T. for over 60 years:
> 
> WHO OWNS U.L.T.
> 
> also a brief paper on
> 
> PUBLISHING IN THE ULT
> 
> These discuss
> 
> 
> 1. The constitution and work of the U.L.T.
> 
> 
> CONSTITUTION and BASIS FOR ALL WORK -- It is based on the U.L.T.
> DECLARATION, which makes clear the basis for its work. Every
> associate is expected to abide by this, and it is regularly
> discussed, so that its implications and applications are
> understood, and clarified if necessary. In effect those are
> common sense applications such as govern our living in any
> community.
> 
> This DECLARATION is the sole basis ULT has. It is the only
> document that establishes those ideals along the lines of which
> things are conducted. However let me make it clear that anarchy
> is not welcome, nor any undue display of individualism. This is
> a cooperative work that places BROTHERHOOD as its norm. Law and
> neighborliness in the spirit of an actual brotherhood is actively
> practiced. Individualism and disruption by individuals or from
> any source is not welcome at any time.
> 
> 2. IS THERE A NEED FOR A FIDUCIARY BODY
> 
> The nature of a fiduciary body, which could be named a "
> THEOSOPHY COMPANY" (as in Los Angeles), or something similar, in
> other centers where there is a ULT Lodge or Study Group. is
> installed is necessary only to comply with the laws of State and
> Nation. requiring such an institution. Some Lodgers have none.
> 
> NOTE: every Lodge of the U.L.T. is independent and hence a
> local fiduciary body exists to handle local legalities in regard
> to money, etc. No Lodge interferes in the work and conduct of
> any other Lodge. There is decentralization. But there is also
> conferencing and discussion about problems that may arise,
> (between Lodges) so as to secure the benefit of experience. The
> DECLARATION of the U.L.T. is the sole "bond" as declared, and in
> its wording, you will find that "similarity of aim, purpose and
> teaching" is the unassailable basis on which the union of the
> associates that constitute the U.L.T. rests.
> 
> No fiduciary has any kind of "control" over the local U.L.T. as
> it is formed to serve the U.L.T. Objectives and Declaration. It
> is staffed by old associates who have learned to appreciate the
> wisdom embodied in the DECLARATION of the U.L.T. .
> 
> When this is information is assimilated, I believe that the
> questions John asks will be found answered.
> 
> 
> 3. ASSOCIATES ARE ALL VOLUNTEERS
> 
> Essentially the ULT is a group of volunteers all of whom
> cooperate with one another in all matters. Those who have
> special skills employ them with the permission by consensus and
> conferencing and with the agreement of others. No individual
> scheme is adopted unless there is agreement that it serves to
> advance the spirit of service embodied in the DECLARATION.
> 
> 
> 4. OBJECTIVES and WORK of the U.L.T.
> 
> These are two, as already stated many times, detailed and
> defined:
> 
> 1. to keep the message and teachings of "ORIGINAL"
> THEOSOPHY as expressed by Mme. Blavatsky and her colleague and
> co-worker Mr. Judge in print and available. Also are found
> included expressions that support the U.L.T. DECLARATION,
> practices and objectives.
> 
> 2. to provide a forum for their discussion. All
> meetings are focused on the study of the "original Teachings" in
> an endeavor to discover if they are truly valid. The meetings
> are "study classes," not debating venues.
> 
> 3. If possible a reading room and Library are also made
> available for free use during specific hours and days.
> 
> 4. To advertise the availability of this Association and its
> work of keeping original theosophy available for the use and
> study of inquirers.
> 
> 5. When possible a periodical, or bulletin, or magazine that
> provides, among other things, discussion and demonstration of
> Theosophical resources and uses is issued.
> 
> 6. Reprints of "original Teachings of Theosophy" in
> pamphlet, book or magazine form is provided when possible.
> 
> 7. Correspondence and the answering of questions (such as
> this) is provided, so that the nature and constitution of the
> U.L.T. is made clear.
> 
> 
> Obviously these criteria form the guidelines for U.L.T.
> publishing.
> 
> Currently, the U.L.T. publishes two magazines: THEOSOPHY (Los
> Angeles) and the THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT (Bombay). Usually each
> Lodge or Study Group issues a periodical that gives details of
> its activities. Take any issue of the magazines or bulletins, as
> a sample, and the nature of the articles and information conveyed
> therein will give an idea of what would be welcome.
> 
> As usual, no credit is ever given to the writers, nor are extreme
> adverse views offered unless there is good reason for their
> general consideration. This is usually determined by a
> "Publishing Committee" of several associates who have assumed
> that responsibility.
> 
> 
> 5. FINAL SAY-SO
> 
> Is a committee of volunteers who meet informally to consider any
> new project or revise older ones that may need some changes.
> 
> It has to be realized that in an unstructured assembly of free
> associates the rules and regulations are based on the IDEALS and
> the VIRTUES that are implicit in every aspect of Nature. U.L.T.
> is an attempt to imitate Nature's way of working in a world
> situation where individual authority plays a large measure --
> almost too large in cases where abuses are finally discovered.
> 
> By employing the conferencing method individual abuse if any
> creeps in can be soon identified and obviated.
> 
> 6. ANONYMITY
> 
> Most people (accustomed as they are to business and political
> structures of management) have difficulty with the anonymity
> associated with U.L.T. That is because, in U.L.T., the ideals
> are employed as the structure into which associates as volunteers
> fit themselves, and recognize that there is only a single level
> of personal contribution: VOLUNTEER.
> 
> Anonymity is insisted on since the Message of THEOSOPHY is what
> U.L.T. promulgates and no one's personal opinion is given any
> prominence. The minimizing of any "personality" is the purpose
> for this.
> 
> Add to this the requirement that BROTHERHOOD be actively
> practiced, and you have a viable but seemingly amorphic body of
> students who are doing two things:
> 
> 1. they seek to become wiser and to understand more of
> NATURE'S LAWS
> 
> 2. they seek to abandon any personal stature or "authority."
> They place the "Teachings of Theosophy" (and the universal,
> common ethics that are implicit therein) as the IDEALS that are
> to be understood, applied and emulated.
> 
> 
> 7. POLITICS ?
> 
> The U.L.T. eschews all politics, or "Power controls." It has no
> "final authority" other than the TEACHINGS OF THEOSOPHY.
> 
> People find this strange. But as an analogy, consider for a
> moment the condition of our world if, for instance CHRISTIANS,
> regardless of sect, tried strenuously to practice the virtues and
> regulations for communal life embodied in THE SERMON ON THE
> MOUNT, and other saying attributed directly to Jesus.
> 
> 
> 8. CONFERENCING is the KEY to ULT WORK
> 
> Conferencing between associates forms the basis for cooperative
> work.
> 
> 
> 9. ATTEMPT TO PRACTICE IDEALISM
> 
> The Ideals of THEOSOPHY (ethics based on metaphysics) are used as
> a basis for all work and activity.
> 
> It exists to meet the needs of those who want to study THEOSOPHY.
> All other matters are considered "side-issues."
> 
> For any one to grasp the implications that lie behind what I have
> written and offered, a careful reading and study of the KEY TO
> THEOSOPHY (HPB) is recommended.
> 
> You might well look on these few ideas a "mysticism," but they
> underlie all phenomena -- all exterior choices and consequent
> acts we do. But where do acts originate? Thought is the plane of
> all action. I think one might safely say:
> 
> The basis of the Changeless SELF places the whole Universe within
> the reach of any mind; if this is true, then it offers a stable
> basis for thought and action, and any and all "realization" dawns
> within one's SELF. One may observe, for this to be real, that
> the ONE SELF acts only through the "creatures." They all
> possess a "ray" of that SELF and are continually immersed in IT.
> 
> These questions about the nature of Theosophy and as to whether
> any esotericism or occultism resides in U.L.T. are, to my mind
> futile, inasmuch as one needs to develop acuity in regard to
> deeper and causal matters. A I see it, there is no mystery at
> all in that, and every person has identical opportunities
> available to them at any time.
> 
> Let me in the next couple of paragraphs sketch what I believe to
> have found to be of significance. (It is useless, I think, to
> dissect any one statement I will make from the rest, as if they
> are taken as a whole, they collectively underscore the importance
> of one of the Theosophical views -- at least, of mine. Others
> may stress other aspects or having a different perception and
> view, may give importance to other aspects or perceptions of the
> ONE UNITY -- of which each of us is only a part.)
> 
> First as a base, can we together look on THEOSOPHY as the history
> of our Earth and Universe, and a review of some of the basic
> concepts that the immemorial body of Adepts in their collective
> work named by H P B The Great Lodge ( S D I 272-3) have
> determined to exist?
> 
> I am, for instance, and for my reasoning, no believer in
> "diluted" Theosophy.
> 
> Further, it occurs to me: There is no "rivalry" in work for
> Master's CAUSE. The U.L.T. is not trying to rival any other
> organization.
> 
> The real Theosophist does not attack any form of belief, nor any
> form of philosophy, he merely compares them with THEOSOPHY. We
> can all do this for ourselves. But we have to know what
> THEOSOPHY is. The statements made by H.P.Blavatsky and Masters
> ought to be checked and rechecked by us to make sure they are
> fair and true. One may have hundreds of books, and devote one's
> life to collating references that illustrate any selected point
> of view, but the original SELECTION determines the parameters of
> the work attempted.
> 
> As to the "nearness" of Masters? Well, in my esteem, They must
> be near to every true aspirant. I would say: "Think of the
> Master as a living Man within you," (and within all others) --
> That is the source of Brotherhood, and Brotherhood is the root of
> all occultism and esotericism. It is not a construct nor is it
> something one acquires. It is within. We all have it. We do
> not all of us, seek it, nor do we all try to see it in its pure
> and unveiled state -- as ISIS UNVEILED, one might say. The real
> point at issue is: the Divine Nature in Man and Woman. In a
> brief sentence one could say: "The Path of Brotherhood and the
> Path of Occultism are One Path." Is this one theme not to be
> fund repeated in The SECRET DOCTRINE ?
> 
> Next: I would say that we can trust a Universe that moves along
> unerringly under the Law of Perfect Justice to all. None of us,
> as we know ourselves to be in heart and mind, could exist unless
> Nature were very tolerant. This tolerance is to me evidenced by
> of our continued existence, and the complexity that underlies the
> physical (to mention the obvious) body of each of us (not to
> mention our Minds and "feelings") with our surroundings.
> 
> It is Nature (the Universe) that supports and feeds us and keeps
> us alive so that those lessons one might (and can learn) in Life
> are at least brought before our mental vision. In turn, it is
> our cooperation that along with that given by others, supports
> the progress of all things. It is no wonder that theosophists
> hold that Consciousness is ubiquitous.
> 
> The presence of Consciousness, (a sense of self, and of Law and
> Order and Purpose, which is not reserved to "human consciousness"
> alone), and of the existence of any creature, denotes SPIRIT
> CONSCIOUSNESS (as a universal, and an impartial, a sensitive,
> responsive and energizing whole) and a reason for the existence
> of any and all creatures, near and far, visible and invisible.
> Materialism wit its hypotheses of blind chance, luck and
> happenstances, just does not fit the fact of the complex
> orderliness on the universe whether of galaxies, stars, and
> planets, or of molecules, atoms and sub-atomic particles
> 
> The norms of our education in this present civilization, when
> generally considered, and, regardless of country, emphasize the
> extraordinary power for "individual survival" that is attributed
> physically, to the "strong" and the "large," forgetting that
> these attributes are constantly challenged, nay, controlled, by
> our mental capacities and our feelings. They tend to minimize
> the importance of virtues, like compassion and the sense of
> protective assistance and justice, that all true humans extend
> almost automatically to others in times of crisis, as well as in
> every-day living.
> 
> 
> Let me recapitulate in brief the main items to be considered and
> if found valuable, applied:
> 
> 1. Immortality of the Soul. Every being enshrines a Ray of the
> divine, while using a form of "clay" in which to live in present
> circumstances.
> 
> 2. Many lives on this Earth-school ( This is Reincarnation of
> the Individual Immortal SPIRIT/MIND (or Higher Ego -- which lives
> in the "heart" of all beings). It is the immortal seat of our
> Conscience and the Wisdom we possess abut Life and living. it is
> the REAL MAN.
> 
> 3. The exact application in all departments of Life of LAW -- of
> KARMA -- "as ye sow, so shall ye reap." To prayer, petition,
> penance can ever deflect the exact return to us of the good or
> the bad that we choose to do. "The hands that smite us are our
> own."
> 
> 4. Universal Evolution, as a process that allows for the
> progression and rise of all beings up to the human stage of
> "self-consciousness," and, from that level, on towards the
> distant goal of SUPREME PERFECTION which can only be vaguely
> described as UNIVERSAL SELF- CONSCIOUSNESS (The Universe grows
> I ). Who knows the true size of any "soul?"
> 
> 
> 10. PRACTICAL IDEALISM -- NOT SOLELY RESERVED TO THE ULT
> 
> The U.L.T. as I see it, is an attempt to make these few ideas
> into comprehensible and practical ideals. Everyone is welcome to
> join in the testing and the trying. One does not have to become
> an associate of the U.L.T. to do this, it exists merely as a
> "facilitator," where any one will find considered the outlines of
> the common research and living we are all already engaged in.
> Its methods are those of the ordinary business world insofar as
> actual work is done: publishing, advertising, accounting,
> maintenance, seminar and explanatory work, etc... ISIS UNVEILED
> (H.P.B.) was written to draw attention to the prevalence and
> analogetic nature of phenomena, living and thinking as was to be
> found in the great philosophies and religions of past and
> present.
> 
> The SECRET DOCTRINE (H P B ) is not a "Bible." Like a text-book
> constructed to induce thinking and observation, it tries to
> cover, in significant outline, the hidden and the secret (but
> present and necessary) complexities of actual Living and the Laws
> that underlie and unite this common, universal process. If one
> considers this as an exposition of Nature's living work, it is
> not compulsive (nor is it threatening) in any way. The U.L.T.,
> patterning itself after this existing fashion, and after making
> sure that any one who considers its benefits understands them,
> lets each individual make their own decisions, and insists on
> respecting the free will of every individual to choose -- to
> either confirm and devote themselves to the study and application
> of Theosophy (whether in, or without the U.L.T.) or leave it
> alone.
> 
> The U.L.T. asks no personal questions of any one. It does not
> seek a large number of "members."
> It makes no special promises, it offers no panaceas, but exists
> to assist in answering profound causal, procedural, moral
> questions that every individual has.
> 
> The KEY TO THEOSOPHY (HPB) was written to answer most questions,
> and The VOICE OF THE SILENCE (HPB) gives (as I think) the best
> information one could want to receive on the subject of
> esotericism and occultism. It serves to define the relation of
> information and data to their use, as selected freely by any
> individual for himself.
> 
> All the details and thoughts that I am offering here, is the
> result of my own observation, and in no way may it be construed
> as anything but my own opinion concerning the observations I have
> made while choosing to be associated with the ULT.
> 
> I believe this is enough. Hopefully it will provide answers to
> these many queries.
> 
> Best wishes,
> 
> Dallas TenBroeck.
> 
> 
> 
> ==================================
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: D.Caldwell/M.Graye [mailto:blafoun@a...]
> Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2001 7:34 AM
> To: Jerome Wheeler; Jerome Wheeler; amerman@p...;
> amerman@s...; carson@b...; dalval14@e...;
> Caldwell, Daniel; compiler@w...
> 
> Subject: Good Questions by John for Dallas to Answer about how
> ULT actually operates
> 
> I guess a lot of people read the email messages on Theos-talk.
> Since
> John De Santis posted his question below, I have received about
> a dozen emails from inquirers (?), etc. asking if I knew how the
> ULT
> worked.
> 
> Therefore I thought it best to repost John's questions [BELOW]
> because they are good questions and interested seekers and
> inquirers apparently
> want to know how the ULT functions in comparison with other
> Theosophical groups.
> 
> Hoping someone will communicate something on Theos-Talk.
> 
> Daniel
> 
> -------------------------------------
> From: "Blavatsky Archives" <blavatskyarchives@y...>
> Date: Tue Jul 17, 2001 3:45 pm
> Subject: Good Questions by John for Dallas to Answer about how
> ULT actually
> operates
> 
> 
> John De Santis wrote in one of his previous emails to Dallas:
> 
> "On another note, as a student who has studied in the ULT system
> myself, let me ask you, and others who are knowledgeable old-time
> associates, close to the inner workings of it all, to kind of
> explain
> a little
> 
> how the ULT actually functions;
> 
> how The Theosophy Company functions;
> 
> who gets to be editors of the THEOSOPHY magazine, who
> doesn't; who decides what articles are written and selected for
> publication;
> 
> who gets to say yes or no as to the way things run at ULT;
> 
> how any changes and new projects proposed by any associate, say
> one who is not an insider, so to say, are said yes or no to; and
> so
> on in these sorts of things, that would generally be called by
> most
> people as 'organizational' activities."
> 
> Dallas,
> 
> I am looking forward to your answers to John's sincere
> questions.
> 
> In all your previous descriptions of ULT and how it works, you
> seem
> only to speak of what the ULT does in very abstract and ideal
> terms,
> but you have never written on the very down-to-earth topics that
> John brings up in his questions.
> 
> I am not an associate of ULT, but if I ever decided to join, I
> would
> want to have clear and straightforward answers to the questions
> John
> is asking.
> 
> I would also think most if not all ULT associates would want to
> know how
> these things are decided and who has the final decision making
> power.
> 
> Daniel
> 
> http://blavatskyarchives.com