Re: Theos-World RE: theosophy & politics
Feb 16, 2005 02:38 AM
by leonmaurer
Hi MS,
If you are referring to the "form" that is signed by (some) "associates" of
ULT (I hesitate to call them "members" since that implies some sort of formal
organization) -- it has only one purpose and that is to acknowledge that one is
sympathetic to the ULT "Declaration" and understands that there is no
obligation other than what one decides for oneself. Meaning that everything one does
in or for the Lodge is entirely voluntary. It also enables the voluntary
leaders and student/teachers to know who are the self acknowledged devoted
students whom they can send occasional curriculum letters to, give useful esoteric
knowledge to, and also call on for assistance or consultation on Lodge
maintenance matters, etc., when necessary.
Interestingly, I have been associated with the ULT for over 40 years, and
even though I have not set foot inside a Lodge facility in the last 7 odd years,
I have participated in its classes, volunteered to help others in their
teaching efforts, contributed to Lodge support, have made good use of its library
and facilities, taught students of lesser knowledge, and yet have never signed
that form... Under the principle that since there is no obligation except that
which I myself determine, I chose to remain anonymous -- at least for the
record -- (although, everyone I met in the Lodge knows my name, since I chose to
tell them when they asked.:-)
Nevertheless, in all that time, no one in the NY Lodge ever asked me if I
signed the form or not. Thus, while I am still an "Associate" of the ULT, and
have enjoyed all its benefits and assisted in its aims and purposes, I am still
"not a member of any cult or sect (theosophical or otherwise) but a member of
each and all" (as it says in the ULT Declaration -- of which I am entirely "in
accord with its aims and purposes.")
This doesn't mean, however, that I haven't studied and learned anything from
other theosophical teachers besides HPB, WQJ and their Masters -- including
all the great Hindu, Buddhist, Egyptian, Greek, Hebrew and Sufi teachers (alive
and dead) that I have bumped into along the way.:-).
Hope this clears up the idea of the "Form" somewhat. Although Dallas may
have something more to say about it.
LM
In a message dated 02/15/05 12:39:38 PM, global-theosophy@stofanet.dk writes:
>Hallo all,
>My views are:
>Well maybe you are right Cass.
>But, I wondered what purpose it will have to sign the below mentioned FORM
>-since the organisational structure is amorphous - ie. without form ?
>Maybe Dallas would care to give an answer to that.
>
>from
>M. Sufilight with peace and love...
----- Original Message -----
From: "Cass Silva" <silva_cass@yahoo.com>
To: <theos-talk@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2005 12:47 AM
Subject: Re: Theos-World RE: theosophy & politics
>
> Sorry, I thought the ULT was the latest version of the ES society. Wrong
> assumption, again, apologies. I suppose the only "down side" is that the
> members could unwittingly begin to think that they are more advanced or
> knowledgeable. Which I guess is a test in spiritual pride.
> Cass
>
> "W.Dallas TenBroeck" <dalval14@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
> 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
[Back to Top]
Theosophy World:
Dedicated to the Theosophical Philosophy and its Practical Application
