Theos-Talk Archives (December 2002 Message tt00553)

Dec 16 2002

Dear Friends:

My father used to say "There are "lies," then, there are "damn lies,"
and, finally, there are "statistics."

Back in 1873 when H P B traveled to New York as "ordered." She was
alone.

She met Col. Olcott, and there were two.


She began to write ISIS UNVEILED and a number helped her to do this.

Have you opened and read ISIS UNVEILED ? It is a marvelous story of
our past history and the mysterious powers that at all ages have been
under the control of some human beings. It almost sounds like one of
the first Si-Fi books. But it isn't it is history. The book ISIS
UNVEILED is "on-line" at http://www.blavatsky.net. There it can be
"sampled."


In 1875 the THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY was started and 16 placed their names
on the original papers as "founding members" of that new/old Society.

Since the time of Pythagoras and the Neo-Platonists, the word
"theosophy" was hardly ever used.

It reincarnated.


Do we really think that "numbers" (procured under what process?) are a
sure index of strength?

Whether there is a "lie," or a thousand, TRUTH stands ONE.

So what is the power of Ideas? How are we to view IDEALS ?

Did the "Founding Fathers" of this nation count the numbers against
them?

How many times was George Washington "defeated" and his "army"
scattered ? Persistence won out.

If, as it is said in this positing, we can say that Theosophy has
acquired some 5,000 adherents [I wonder what that word covers ?] the
past 125 years shows growth and not the reverse.

Of the 5,000 how many are real students? Of the 5,000 who are
sympathizers? Of the 5,000 how many are inspired by the idea of
BROTHERHOOD? And so on ... there appear to be degrees of awareness
and of depth of interest

Of the 5,000 how many are intrigued by the concept of an immortal
SPIRITUAL SOUL in themselves -- one that does not die, one that
reincarnates ? Is there any proof of that ?

Is BROTHERHOOD considered a repugnant evil?

Of the 5,000, how many find themselves repelled by the concept of a
sensitive, just and true UNIVERSE ?

What about Karma as an implacably just return for anything chosen,
thought of or done? Is that unfair or an evil ? Who controls our
thinking ? We do.

Finally are "theosophical ideas and ideals" limited to this mysterious
5,000 ?

I have heard that the system we today call "theosophy" is age-old. It
is said to be the expression of truth, and processes in nature; and it
is said to be universal and impersonal. From it all the great
religions have emanated. Do we disagree with this? Are the
expressions of ethics and morals as found in diverse religions all
different, or, similar ? If so, why ?

Is the "Family of Man" an invention, wishful thinking, or a reality?

One could ask a thousand questions more -- but the spread of those
ideas that lead to cooperation, to equality, to benevolence, to
fraternity, and to true liberty -- not one fabricated by lip-adherence
to a sect or to some political section -- cannot be avoided.

There are two sides to most propositions and those are broadly, the
positive and the negative. One embraces all things, and the other
isolates the individual within "the carapace of selfhood" and
isolation. Which shall we chose?

I would say: The positive is always the Theosophical, no matter how
far back we delve into man's beginnings.

Best wishes,

Dallas


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-----Original Message-----
From: Steve
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2002 11:34 AM
To:
Subject: Theos-

A few years ago Theosophy had about 5,000 adherents in the US, a
country with 270,000,000 people in it. It may have declined since
then. Some of its followers have delusions of grandeur, but the
statistical facts are as stated. I think it is very unfortuhate, but
the fact is Theosophy is not a major force in the world, or even a
minor one. Between now and mid-century we will be in that portion of
the cycle in which groups like Theosophy tend to decline and
orthodocies of various sorts tend to rise.

CUT