Theos-Talk Archives (February 2005 Message tt00336)

Feb 14 2005


Dear Cass and Chris:

I enjoyed reading your comments. Allow me to offer my observation
concerning the U L T to you, as an individual "associate" for many years:


Its concept and operation is in no way a matter of conflict with any
established society or body of students that study Theosophy and have
adopted the "Three Objects" of the T S.

(1.) To form the nucleus of a Universal Brotherhood of Humanity without
distinction of race, colour, or creed. 

(2.) To promote the study of Aryan and other Scriptures, of the World's
religion and sciences, and to vindicate the importance of old Asiatic
literature, namely, of the Brahmanical, Buddhist, and Zoroastrian
philosophies. 

(3.) To investigate the hidden mysteries of Nature under every aspect
possible, and the psychic and spiritual powers latent in man especially.
These are, broadly stated, the three chief objects of the Theosophical
Society. 
Key p. 39 

The U L T It is an association of independent students. It has no
"official structure." We might call it amorphous.

The only document concerning its existence, work, and activities is this:

 

UNITED LODGE OF THEOSOPHISTS 

DECLARATION: 

The policy of this Lodge is independent devotion to the cause of Theosophy,
without professing attachment to any Theosophical organization. It is loyal
to the great Founders of the Theosophical Movement, but does not concern
itself with dissensions or differences of individual opinion. 

The work it has on hand and the end it keeps in view are too absorbing and
too lofty to leave it the time or inclination to take part in side issues.
That work and that end is the dissemination of the Fundamental Principles of
the Philosophy of Theosophy, and the exemplification in practice of those
principles, through a truer realization of the SELF; a profounder conviction
of Universal Brotherhood. 

It holds that the unassailable basis for union among Theosophists, wherever
and however situated, is "similarity of aim, purpose and teaching," and
therefore has neither Constitution, By-Laws nor Officers, the sole bond
between its Associates being that basis. And it aims to disseminate this
idea among Theosophists in the furtherance of Unity. 

It regards as Theosophists all who are engaged in the true service of
Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, condition or
organization, and 

It welcomes to its Association all those who are in accord with its declared
purposes and who desire to fit themselves, by study and otherwise, to be the
better able to help and teach others. 

"The true Theosophist belongs to no cult or sect, yet belongs to each and
all." 

-----------------------------------------------

The following is the form signed by Associates of the United Lodge
of Theosophists: 

Being in sympathy with the purposes of this Lodge, as set forth in its
"Declaration," I hereby record my desire to be enrolled as an Associate, it
being understood that such association calls for no obligation on my part,
other than that which 1, myself, determine. 

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

The "sole bond" is the study of THEOSOPHY and its promulgation.

For that reason, it emphasizes the "Original Teachings of THEOSOPHY." 
It strives to keep these available for current reference and use. 

It includes all who adopt this as their objective. Its basis for work is
cooperative and voluntary. It seeks to offer facts and not opinions.

It sets up no restrictions and it asks no questions of anyone. It does
exclude any politics, as it has no power or position to offer to anyone. 

I have observed that many of its associates are also members of active
Theosophical bodies. 

Best wishes, 

Dallas


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

-----Original Message-----
From: Cass 
Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2005 4:40 PM
To: 
Subject: Re: theosophy & politics


Dear Chris
 
I am not political, nor have been on any Board of the TS. But as a lay
person, and a person who has been reading theosophy for many years, it seems
to me that the setting up of any Board, or an ES or ULT Society, will always
involve a "them" and "us" attitude, regardless of whether or not the motives
are pure.
 
As a society of like minds, then there should be nothing, financial or
personal, involved in the running of the TS that cannot be shared with
others of that society. Personal issues should be left to deal with on a
personal basis. If people's personal issues are getting in the way of
their spirit of Theosophy then they are not ready to help others.
 
Why not post your Agenda and your Minutes of every meeting? Thereby
avoiding, "gaps of information" or "behind the scenes" actions. Theosophy,
as a non secular institution, should not have any gaps or behind the scenes.
The ES society may have been started for reasons which imply that certain
personages were chosen to learn more, in order for them to pass on this
knowledge to others, who were incapable of understanding the complex ideas
behind the teaching given 100 years ago. This is not the case now. Or is
it? Are there still some personages within the TS (Global) who believe they
"are further advanced" or "they know more"? If in fact there are some who
are further advanced, then surely their duty is to pass on this knowledge,
too all. To keep it for "the chosen" will be regarded (by the unchosen) as
selfishly protecting their place in a heirarchichal system rather than one
who has been around a few more corners and because of this can present to
the world the secret doctrines and not to keep them for themselves? 
 
If the mission of keeping theosophy alive then motive should be love and not
reward or sacrifice. Although I am sure you didn't mean it in that context.
Perhaps a Sacrifice of Love, but the way I see it as a lay member, and a
networker, that the many hours I spend discussing Theosophy is something I
look forward to and I am eager to share my limited knowledge with those who
feel I have something to share.
 
Theosophy is in your hands, it's future, is in your hands, if there is
nothing to hide, how about open board meetings (where all are invited to
attend?), open Agendas, open Minutes. An institution that has no secrets,
financial or otherwise, no political or power agenda, but an open forum
where the first principles of theosophy can be lived. Now that would be a
first!
 
Cass