Theos-Talk Archives (July 2001 Message tt00370)

Jerry S wrote:

Same with transfering our attention from theosophy to Theosophy, I am sorry
to say. For the most part, each TS is structured differently, and so the
likihood of any real union between them is minute, but why should
organizational structure interfer with our sharing of ideas? The
organizational structures are such that we can go from almost complete
flexibility of thought in Adyar to confining ourselves only with the
"original teachings" of ULT - a pretty wide gap by anyone's standards. The
ULT sees Adyar as too flexible while Adyar sees ULT as too rigid. But again, why
should this stiffle friendly discussion and sharing of personal
interpretations?

MKR:

Good observation.

If for a student of theosophy, the prime goal is to search for truth with the
motto "There is no Religion Higher than Truth", organizational affililation need
not interfere with sharing of ideas and sound off of ideas with others
interested in theosophy no matter to what their affiliation is or not affiliated
at all.

But in practice, many affiliated with one organization or the other are very
unlikely to interact with others outside of their affiliation because of fear of
retaliation or marginalization or other practical vested interests of currying
favor from those who have the authority to dispense favors of one kind or the
other or the fear of risk of losing some occult ground now or in some future
life.

For example, very few who are affiliated with one organization or the other and
are daring enough are participants in this and other theos maillists and the
general lack of participation from affiliants is a clear cut example -- a few
who were formerly participating in theos maillists just disappeared after they
got to some formal position with one TS organization or the other -- may be due
to their trying to be politically correct within the organization.

Looking from an objective point of view, Internet maillists are going to be the
technology which will bring together everyone interested in theosophy no matter
what their personal philosophical preferences are. When that happens, the
organizations' functions will become very limited, perhaps nothing more than be
a publishing outfit.

mkr