Theos-Talk Archives (July 2001 Message tt00198)

Daniel,

I've learned quite a bit so far by what Dallas is posting. I especially like
the "Independence" of each Lodge, and the "Volunteering" and the "Committee"
and the "Conferencing" methods. But since I asked the few questions, in
order to learn a little, but mostly to get a dialogue going, as Dallas is
doing, especially amongst more knowledgeable theosophists than myself, such
as yourself, for instance, and the other critics, I prefer not to comment,
and want to just watch and learn by what goes on and is said between those
who do participate, in both pro and con ways.

Fraternally,

John DeSantis
(Compiler)
-------

You may find a great deal of the Truth that you are searching for here:

Wisdom World web site (Main Page):
http://www.wisdomworld.org/index.html

The Index page of the Introductory, "Setting the Stage" book:
http://www.wisdomworld.org/setting.html

The page where "Additional" articles are steadily being added:
http://www.wisdomworld.org/additional/index.html

-------

Blavatsky Archives wrote:

> 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
>
>
>
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