Theos-Talk Archives (March 2005 Message tt00052)

Mar 4 2005

Dear Alaya:

How can membership in any "society or organization" help anyone? 

We are all involved in the THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT and this includes
individuals affiliated or non-affiliated.

As I see it the only value to "membership" is that we may enjoy the company
of sympathizers and we may share with the our problems and questions, for
mutual assistance -- I mean who may help us in our individual study. 

Look at one of our basic books by HPB: The KEY TO THEOSOPHY 

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Page	The KEY TO THEOSOPHY 

4	The Policy of the Theosophical Society 	

5 fn	"...We can show the line of descent of every Christian religion, as
of every, even the smallest, sect. The latter are the minor twigs or shoots
grown on the larger branches; but shoots and branches spring from the same
trunk —the WISDOM-RELIGION. ..."
	
"...not only the philosophers of Greece, but also all those of the different
barbarian nations, were perfectly in unison with each other with regard to
every essential point, he made it his business so to expound the thousand
tenets of all these various sects as to show they had all originated from
one and the same source, and tended all to one and the same end." 

"He adopted the doctrines which were received in Egypt (the esoteric were
those of India) concerning the Universe and the Deity, considered as
constituting one great whole; concerning the eternity of the world . . . and
established a system of moral discipline which allowed the people in general
to live according to the laws of their country and the dictates of nature,
but required the wise to exalt their mind by contemplation."

6	"...the whole Christ had in view was to reinstate and restore to its
primitive integrity THE WISDOM OF THE ANCIENTS; to reduce within bounds the
universally-prevailing dominion of superstition; and in part to correct, and
in part to exterminate the various errors that had found their way into the
different popular religions....the purpose of Jesus was to restore the great
doctrine of wisdom in its primitive integrity." 

7 - 8	"...The WISDOM-RELIGION was ever one, and being the last word of
possible human knowledge, was, therefore, carefully preserved. It preceded
by long ages the Alexandrian Theosophists, reached the modern, and will
survive every other religion and philosophy."

10 - 11	"Real ecstasy was defined ... as "the liberation of the mind
from its finite consciousness, becoming one and identified with the
infinite." ... It is, indeed, identical with that state which is known in
India as Samadhi. The latter is practised by the Yogis, who facilitate it
physically by the greatest abstinence in food and drink, and mentally by an
incessant endeavour to purify and elevate the mind.

Meditation is silent and unuttered prayer, or, as Plato expressed it, "the
ardent turning of the soul toward the divine; not to ask any particular good
(as in the common meaning of prayer), but for good itself —for the universal
Supreme Good" of which we are a part on earth, and out of the essence of
which we have all emerged. Therefore, adds Plato, "remain silent in the
presence of the divine ones, till they remove the clouds from thy eyes and
enable thee to see by the light which issues from themselves, not what
appears as good to thee, but what is intrinsically good." 

11 fn	"Real Theosophy is, for the mystics, that state which Apollonius of
Tyana was made to describe thus: "I can see the present and the future as in
a clear mirror. The sage need not wait for the vapours of the earth and the
corruption of the air to foresee events. . . . The theoi, or gods, see the
future; common men the present; sages that which is about to take place."
"The Theosophy of the Sages" he speaks of is well expressed in the
assertion, "The Kingdom of God is within us."

12	"...Theosophy has ever been kept secret. ...

The causes for it were: 

Firstly, the perversity of average human nature and its selfishness, always
tending to the gratification of personal desires to the detriment of
neighbours and next of kin. Such people could never be entrusted with divine
secrets. 

Secondly, their unreliability to keep the sacred and divine knowledge from
desecration. It is the latter that led to the perversion of the most sublime
truths and symbols, and to the gradual transformation of things spiritual
into anthropomorphic, concrete, and gross imagery— in other words, to the
dwarfing of the god-idea and to idolatry. "

247 -248	"ENQUIRER. Then is all this metaphysics and mysticism with
which you occupy yourself so much, of no importance? 
 
THEOSOPHIST. To the masses, who need only practical guidance and support,
they are not of much consequence; but for the educated, the natural leaders
of the masses, those whose modes of thought and action will sooner or later
be adopted by those masses, they are of the greatest importance. 

It is only by means of the philosophy that an intelligent and educated man
can avoid the intellectual suicide of believing on blind faith; and it is
only by assimilating the strict continuity and logical coherence of the
Eastern, if not esoteric, doctrines, that he can realize their truth. 

Conviction breeds enthusiasm, and "Enthusiasm," says Bulwer Lytton, "is the
genius of sincerity, and truth accomplishes no victories without it"; while
Emerson most truly remarks that "every great and commanding movement in the
annals of the world is the triumph of enthusiasm." 

And what is more calculated to produce such a feeling than a philosophy so
grand, so consistent, so logical, and so all-embracing as our Eastern
Doctrines? 
 
ENQUIRER. And yet its enemies are very numerous, and every day Theosophy
acquires new opponents. 
 
THEOSOPHIST. And this is precisely that which proves its intrinsic 
excellence and value. People hate only the things they fear, and no one goes
out of his way to overthrow that which neither threatens nor rises beyond
mediocrity. 
 
ENQUIRER. Do you hope to impart this enthusiasm, one day, to the masses? 
 
THEOSOPHIST. Why not? since history tells us that the masses adopted
Buddhism with enthusiasm, while, as said before, the practical effect upon
them of this philosophy of ethics is still shown by the smallness of the
percentage of crime amongst Buddhist populations as compared with every
other religion. 

The chief point is, to uproot that most fertile source of all crime and
immorality -- the belief that it is possible for them to escape the
consequences of their own actions. 

Once teach them that greatest of all laws, Karma and Re-incarnation, and
besides feeling in themselves the true dignity of human nature, they will
turn from evil and eschew it as they would a physical danger. "

248 -9	"ENQUIRER. How do you expect the Fellows of your Society to
help in the work? 
 
THEOSOPHIST. 

First by studying and comprehending the theosophical doctrines, so that they
may teach others, especially the young people. 

Secondly, by taking every opportunity of talking to others and explaining to
them what Theosophy is, and what it is not; by removing misconceptions and
spreading an interest in the subject. 

Thirdly, by assisting in circulating our literature, by buying books when
they have the means, by lending and giving them and by inducing their
friends to do so. 

Fourthly, by defending the Society from the unjust aspersions cast upon it,
by every legitimate device in their power. 

Fifth, and most important of all, by the example of their own lives. 

	
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Page	FIVE MESSAGES FROM HPB TO AMERICAN THEOSOPHISTS


2 - 3	"Theosophy has lately taken a new start in America which marks the
commencement of a new Cycle in the affairs of the Society in the West. And
the policy you are now following is admirably adapted to give scope for the
widest expansion of the movement, and to establish on a firm basis an
organization which, while promoting feelings of fraternal sympathy, social
unity, and solidarity, will leave ample room for individual freedom and
exertion in the common cause- that of helping mankind.

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. 

When his inner development has reached a certain point, he will naturally
draw those with whom he is in contact under the same influence; a nucleus
will he formed, round which other people will gather, forming a centre from
which information and spiritual influence radiate, and towards which higher
influences are directed.

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; but no one belonging to the Theosophical Society ought to
count himself as more than, at best, a pupil-teacher -one who has no right
to dogmatize."

4 - 6	"The Theosophical Society led the van of this movement; but,
although 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 faint-hearted have
asked in all ages for signs and wonders, and when these failed to be
granted, they refused to believe.

Such are not those who will ever comprehend Theosophy pure and simple. 

But there are others among us who realize intuitionally that the recognition
of pure Theosophy -the philosophy of the rational explanation of things and
not the tenets -is of the most vital importance in the Society, inasmuch as
it alone can furnish the beacon-light needed to guide humanity on its true
path.

This should never be forgotten, nor should the following fact be overlooked.
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. This will be a wonder and a miracle truly, for
the realization of which Humanity is vainly waiting for the last eighteen
centuries, and which every association has hitherto failed to accomplish.

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... 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, in which a narrow and stereotyped creed would
take the place of the living and breathing spirit of Truth and an ever
growing Knowledge.

According 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.

It must be remembered that 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. For 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,-but also the fruits of a disbelief
in all but material things, a disbelief which has increased enormously
during the last century, and which has led many, after a denial of all
existence other than that in matter, into a blind belief in the
materialization of Spirit.

The tendency of modern civilization is a reaction towards animalism, towards
a development of those qualities which conduce to the success in life of man
as an animal in the struggle for animal existence. 

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.

Men cannot all be Occultists, but they can all be Theosophists. 

Many who have never heard of the Society are Theosophists without knowing it
them selves; for 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; and the
converse of this is true also,-he who preaches the gospel of good-will,
teaches Theosophy.


11	" ...the Ethics of Theosophy are even more necessary to mankind than
the scientific aspects of the psychic facts of nature and man.


14	"...that cure is "ALTRUISM." And this is the keynote of Theosophy
and the cure for all ills; this it is which the real Founders of the
Theosophical Society promote as its first object-UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD.

Thus even if only in name a body of Altruists, the Theosophical Society has
to fight all who under its cover seek to obtain magical powers to use for
their own selfish ends and to the hurt of others. Many are those who joined
our Society for no other purpose than curiosity. Psychological phenomena
were what they sought, and they were unwilling to yield one iota of their
own pleasures and habits to obtain them. These very quickly went away
empty-handed."


15	"But to work properly in our Great Cause it is necessary to forget
all personal differences of opinion as to how the work is to be carried on.
Let each of us work in his own way and not endeavor to force our ideas of
work upon our neighbors."


16	"But Karma will reconcile all our differences of opinion. A strict
account of our actual work will be taken, and the "wages" earned will be
recorded to our credit. 

But as strict an account will be taken of the work which any one, by
indulging in personal grievances, may have hindered his neighbors from
doing. Think you it is a light thing to hinder the force of the Theosophical
Society, as represented in the person of any of its leaders, from doing its
appointed work? 

So surely as there is a Karmic power behind the Society will that power
exact the account for its hindrance, and he is a rash and ignorant man who
opposes his puny self to it in the execution of its appointed task."


18 - 19	"My words may and will pass and be forgotten, but certain
sentences from letters written by the Masters will never pass, because they
are the embodiment of the highest practical Theosophy. I must translate them
for you :- 

"* * * Let not the fruit of good Karma be your motive; for your Karma, good
or bad, being one and the common property of all mankind, nothing good or
bad can happen to you that is not shared by many others. Hence your motive,
being selfish, can only generate a double effect, good and bad, and will
either nullify your good action, or turn it to another man's profit." *

* "There is no happiness for one who is ever thinking of Self and
forgetting all other Selves."

"The Universe groans under the weight of such action (Karma), and none
other than self-sacrificial Karma relieves it. 

* How many of you have helped humanity to carry its smallest burden, that
you should all regard yourselves as Theosophists. Oh, men of the West, who
would play at being the Saviours of mankind before they even spare the life
of a mosquito whose sting threatens them!, would you be partakers of Divine
Wisdom or true Theosophists? Then do as the gods when incarnated do. 

Feel yourselves the vehicles of the whole humanity, mankind as part of
yourselves, and act accordingly. * * * * *"

These are golden words; may you assimilate them! 

This is the hope of one who signs herself most sincerely the devoted sister
and servant of every true follower of the Masters of Theosophy..
Yours fraternally,
 
H. P. BLAVATSKY. . . .


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I think this gives a good idea of the basic answers that can be offered.

You asked: (1) "is everyone here a member of the T.S???"

I would say not everyone.

(2) "...anyone who isn't? why not? "

Individuals do. Others do not. And none have to "belong," as members, to the
THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.

Anyone can benefit from a study of THEOSOPHY, as HPB makes clear above. 

But the practise is always a matter of individual decision. Nothing can be
enforced. 

I would say (from personal observation and by reading what is offered by
members) that in some cases, some of the THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETIES no longer
teach or closely advocate the practise of that which is to be found taught
by HPB in The KEY TO THEOSOPHY.  

Their members don't know it very well any more. In some cases it (the "Key,"
and other original texts) has been reissued in a mutilated (edited) form --
to suit the current desires and views of the "management."  

A review of the recent history of the THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT reveals this
clearly. 

The "Original Texts" (both 'on line' and as books) are available and anyone
can verify these changes by proof-reading the new versions against the
originals. 

HPB was (and is) the real "founder" of the modern THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT --
following her, a number of writers have tried to interpret her writings,
claiming they made them more easy to understand. In so doing her original
teachings have been changed and altered.  

To realize this one has to be familiar with The KEY TO THEOSOPHY, The VOICE
OF THE SILENCE and the SECRET DOCTRINE and ISIS UNVEILED, and, of course,
her many articles. There are no "short-cuts." 

Best wishes.


Dallas
 
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-----Original Message-----
From: Alaya 
Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 9:36 AM
To: 
Subject: is every one a member?


is everyone here a member of the T.S???
anyone who isn't? why not?