Theos-Talk Archives (February 2002 Message tt00626)

Wednesday, February 20, 2002

Dear Eldon:

Your suggestion (made below), if I have understood it correctly,
has made me think.

If the System of Theosophical philosophy is correct, it
encompasses the world, and is not limited to those who think of
themselves as "Theosophists." Then, if correct, the kind of
organization you seem to think of already exists. It is made up
of many individuals who may or may not be affiliated with other
"organizations."

It is the affiliation of many free-choosing individuals that
builds an organization, and not the "organization" that molds the
individual. Each human being is a "king" unto themselves. Ideas
may come from anywhere, but ultimately every "idea" has to be
mulled over, considered and accepted, modified, or rejected by
the free INDIVIDUAL -- the SPIRITUAL EGO -- who is the Real
Person within each of us.

It may not be obvious. It may not necessarily be something one
can count, or even something that can be placed in any of the
"organizations" already public. I would ask if the decline of
individual affiliations is not a sign that either some aspect of
the work we ought to be doing is left undone by us, or that the
cycle at present, is one in which few who have a vital and a
continuing (self generated) interest in the depths and the
applications, practically, of Theosophical philosophy, are
present?

As I see it Theosophy, as a philosophy and as a record of the
history that relates to the periodical reformation of Universe,
Earth and man -- and, of every other being (since all are
included in its evolutionary march) -- is something that an
individual, as a free mind, a free intelligence has to want to
look into and learn about.

There are many who inquire.

H P B in her "Messages" sent to American Theosophists in
Conventions assembled between 1888 and 1891 provided a survey of
the difficulties that karmic cycles would bring. Here are some
extracts: (taken from Message 1, 1888): H P B wrote: --

"The multiplication of local centres should be a foremost
consideration in your minds, and each man should strive to be a
centre of work in himself. But let no man set up a popery
instead of Theosophy, as this would be suicidal and has ever
ended most fatally. We are all fellow-students, more or less
advanced.

"Theosophical ideas have entered into every development or form
which awakening spirituality has assumed, yet Theosophy pure and
simple has still a severe battle to fight for recognition. The
recognition of pure Theosophy - the philosophy of the rational
explanation of things and not the tenets - is of the most vital
importance.

"On the day when Theosophy will have accomplished its most holy
and most important mission - namely to unite firmly a body of men
of all nations in brotherly love and bent on a pure altruistic
work, not on a labor with selfish motives - on that day only will
Theosophy become higher than any nominal brotherhood of man.

"Orthodoxy in Theosophy is a thing neither possible nor
desirable. It is diversity of opinion, within certain limits that
keeps the Theosophical Society a living and a healthy body, its
many other ugly features notwithstanding.

"Were it not, also, for the existence of a large amount of
uncertainty in the minds of students of Theosophy, such healthy
divergencies would be impossible, and the Society would
degenerate into a sect.

"As people are prepared to receive it, so will new Theosophical
teachings be given. But no more will be given than the world, on
its present level of spirituality, can profit by. It depends on
the spread of Theosophy - the assimilation of what has been
already given - how much more will be revealed and how soon.

"The Society was not founded as a nursery for forcing a supply of
Occultists -- as a factory for the manufactory of Adepts. It was
intended to stem the current of materialism, and also that of
spiritualistic phenomenalism and the worship of the Dead. It had
to guide the spiritual awakening that has now begun, and not to
pander to psychic cravings which are but another form of
materialism. By "materialism" is meant not only an
anti-philosophical negation of pure spirit, and, even more,
materialism in conduct and action - brutality, hypocrisy, and,
above all, selfishness.

"Theosophy seeks to develop the human nature in man in addition
to the animal, and at the sacrifice of the superfluous animality
which modern life and materialistic teachings have developed to a
degree which is abnormal for the human being at this stage of his
progress.

"The essence of Theosophy is the perfect harmonizing of the
divine with the human in man, the adjustment of his god-like
qualities and aspirations, and their sway over the terrestrial or
animal passions in him. Kindness, absence of every ill feeling or
selfishness, charity, good-will to all beings, and perfect
justice to others as to one's self, are its chief features. He
who teaches Theosophy preaches the gospel of good-will

"The function of Theosophists is to open men's hearts and
understandings to charity, justice, and generosity, attributes
which belong specifically to the human kingdom and are natural to
man when he has developed the qualities of a human being.

"Theosophy teaches the animal-man to be a human-man; and when
people have learned to think and feel as truly human beings
should feel and think, they will act humanely, and works of
charity, justice, and generosity will be done spontaneously by
all. Although there must be local Branches of the Theosophical
Society, there can be no local Theosophists; and just as you all
belong to the Society, so do I belong to you all. " -- H P B
[extracts from Message of 1888]

>From Message for 1890:--

"See and realize what great results can be achieved by those who
are really in earnest and unite unselfishly to work for humanity.
Let this year's outcome show you in unmistakable signs the
weighty responsibility that rests upon you, not only towards the
Society, but towards the whole of Humanity. Therefore do not for
one moment relax in your efforts; press closer, shoulder to
shoulder, every day; stand together as one man, come what may,
fine weather or storm, and the victory of the cause to which you
have pledged yourselves is certain. Striving thus in unison with
your Higher Self, your efforts must and will be fruitful of good
to the Society, to yourselves, to Humanity.

"Coming years will show a steady, healthy growth, a strong,
united organization, a durable, reliable, and efficient
instrument ready to the Masters' hands. Once united in real
solidarity, in the true spirit of Universal Brotherhood, no power
can overthrow you, no obstacle bar your progress, no barrier
check the advance of Theosophy in the coming century. [ From H
P B Message for 1890 ]


In the recently posted article of H P B OCCULTISM vs THE OCCULT
ARTS one finds that a clear distinction between the motive for
acquiring knowledge, wisdom and "powers" is made.

If so, then the urge to do this has to arise within individuals
and can not be imposed or instilled. It is something that is
spontaneous and arises from an intuition of the Higher Self, the
SPIRITUAL RAY, within each individual.

One might of course ask how its presence and ability to work
externally has become obscured and diverted. And that can only
be answered by each individual for themselves.

As I think of it the effort we could all put forth is to make the
statements and presentations of universal Verities -- as H P B
did for the Masters of Wisdom, our Elder Brothers -- more easily
available to those who might want to read them and use them.

In view of the discussions and various other matters of the last
several weeks of a polemical nature, one need only contrast the
writing found there with the power of what H P B presented as
THEOSOPHY for us to consider. The nature, capacity and power of
those words and ideas tell their own story and offer the "proof"
asked for. It is internal to them. It is innate in them. and
does not depend solely on the words used. That is of course my
opinion. But I am sure others have noticed that.

So, if we cannot yet generate the kind of presentation that H P B
was able to do, then it is my belief that we can help the great
THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT by presenting again some of the key works
and ideas H P B was responsible for bringing to our attention.
Many have not had the opportunity of contacting "original
Theosophy" -- by this method they may do so. Let those splendid
words work their magic on other readers, as they have on us.
None of us can say in advance what words or methods will prove
best, but we can all do something that we feel is of assistance.
And you, Eldon, in my esteem, have been of such help to us all by
maintaining this exchange list. I for one deeply appreciate it,
and appreciate knowing you.

Some have raised the question of idiom -- the language of the
late 19th century and that of the early 21st century now differs.
Agreed that it does. But can you imagine the average man of
woman of the late 19th century trying to read what H P B wrote?
The so-called language barriers and difficulties of today and
those of "then" are roughly the same. I might also say that it
seems to me that present methods of education have had the effect
of restricting a knowledge of and usage of the English language.
There has been an effort made which has been characterized as
"dumbing us down."

But good and clearly expressed English is always available for
those who desire to learn, and the desire to learn is something
that arises spontaneously from within any and very individual.
It is very difficult in my esteem to try to speak or write so
that everyone will understand. But a few important ideas and key
words have the power to resonate and evoke search. Each
individual has to provide their own fire of enthusiasm. We need
only provide the fuel to be used, or at least a "spark" that they
can seize upon. In my esteem there is plenty of work for us to
do. And another "organization" will essentially do what ?

I do not mean in any way to be discouraging, but suggest we all
use the "organizations" available, and our own innate "fire" to
spread information about the basics and the tenets of Theosophy
for as many as possible to contact.

Best wishes, to you, as always

Dallas

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

-----Original Message-----
From: Eldon B Tucker [mailto:eldon@theosophy.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 4:37 PM
To: theos-talk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Theos-World the pronoun fights

At 05:55 PM 2/19/02 -0500, you wrote:
>Well, it's better than the pronoun fight that raged a few years
back.
>
>Chuck the Heretic

Can you imagine what would happen to Mark Twain's books
were the Politically Correct revisionists able to
sanitize the text?

Now, in some recent historic discussions, I wonder if
the battle has shifted from pronouns to adjectives? <grin>

Somehow I think that an new organizational structure and
approach to the theosophical philosophy may be needed.
Look at the declining memberships and lack of impact in
the world. What worked for W.Q. Judge in the 1880's in
America in the days of the wild west does not seem quite
up to par for the needs of people today.

We can support the status quo with the existing
groups, and watch the slow decline. Or we can reconsider
what organizational and educational techniques exist
and can be applied in support of Theosophy.

I would make a distinction between the organizations,
which are tools we use to work together, and the
philosophy itself, which can be studied and taught
regardless of theosophical affiliation.

-- Eldon