Theos-Talk Archives (November 2006 Message tt00084)

Friends,

In the last couple of days, new information came to my mind as to "the map of the theosophical movement, worldwide". Especiellly on Pasadena TS and Point Loma groups. 

I will try to sum it up, broadly speaking.  Corrections, additions  and commentaries will be welcome. 

1)  Adyar TS -- some 30,000 members worldwide in some 50/60 countries, including some 5,000 people in the USA and some 11,000 people in India; that will make some 90 or 95 of the so-called 'Theosophists' worldwide ( Arcane School, Anthroposophic Society and Sudda Dharma not included in this figure, therefore ). The Adyar TS still has probably a few hundreds of active HPB students, who keep a distance from CWL/Besant books. These HPB students are in the UK, Mexico, Argentina and other places. 

2) Pasadena TS -- an unknown number of people, with rather small groups. Some four of them are in the USA, and there are more groups present in some seven other countries (which makes eight countries with the USA). The Pasadena TS has the important Theosophical University Press, T.U.P., and several magazines (the best known being  "Sunrise").  I guess the Pasadena TS is very healthy in spiritual terms, though smaller trhan I would like them to be.   

3) United Lodge of Theosophists, ULT  -- present with organized groups in some 15 countries (Brazil and Portugal, with but a few associates,  not included).  Several groups in the USA. Various magazines, including "Theosophy" and "The Theosophical Movement" (monthly, edited in India). Innerly healthy.  As the Pasadena TS, it does not care for making too much propaganda and does not gets involved in conflicts.   
4) Point Loma groups -- several small groups in Germany, a few others in Europe. They are inspired by "Point Loma Publications" and are influenced by  G. de Purucker.  Also somehow present in the USA. My contacts with them give me a very positive view of their work.   
5) The Edmonton Theosophical Society -- apparently rather local in Edmonton city, Canada, but publishing the influential international magazine FOHAT in English language.  Sincere theosophists. Deep students. 
6) A number of independent efforts here and there, as the influential "Biosofia" magazine in Lisbon, Portugal (led by Mr. José Manuel Anacleto); Mr. José Ramón Sordo's "Fundación Blavatsky", in Mexico, or Richard Robb's "Wizards Bookshelf" in the USA ( besides various others) .  These  three are examples of  important efforts. Mr. Sordo leads various theosophical groups in Mexico. Ricard Robb's work is editorial, well-known worldwide,  and it is now related to the Pasadena TS.  "Biosofia" magazine is related to an important cultural institute in Portugal. 
7) The Arcane School, World Goodwill and related groups/efforts who promote planetary citizenship and support to the United Nations work. they azre inspired by Alice Bailey's books. Their membes do not call themselves "theosophists",  but have interesting views about universal brotherhood and other universalist concepts. They recognize HPB as one of their inspiring sources.  Present in several countries, including Brazil. It has some influence over members of the Adyar TS. 
8) Anthroposophic Society and its related Waldorf Schools.  This is a German originated split from the Theosophical Society.   Present in various countries besides Germany -- including Brazil, where they have several books edited in Portuguese language. Interesting work to know. 
9) Suddha Dharma Mandalam -- a Theosophical split in India, originated by 1917 from Adyar.  It is an esoteric school in more than one way, created around the expectation of a "Kalki Avatar" who could be an Indian counterpart to Westernized and Christianized J. Krishnamnurti (an L.C.C. "Christ").   In South America, Sudda Dharma Mandalam started in Chile, and later had some force in Brazil, with several organized groups  here.   Now very weak where it is not inactive. Latent. Yet its ex-members keep their identity and their lives' inspiration.  Have their own version of the B. Gita and work with their own version of Raja Yoga. Interesting.  I have known soime serious, well-disciplined members. 
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
The way I sense it, the 'real nucleus" of the theosophical movement by now is made of HPB/Masters students in the Pasadena TS, ULT, Adyar TS, Edmonton TS, Point Loma Groups and various independent groups/initiatives around the world led by HPB students, in most  cases HPB/Judge students. 

Yet Arcane shool and similar movements should rather not be ignmored in my view.

Even the Ancient and Mystic Rosicrucian Order (AMORC) should probably be mentioned, as it has a relation (in its origin and views), with the theosophical movement.  I am certainly leaving other groups aside out of lack of information or remembrance. 

This is an  unrevised spontaneous report. It was  not prepared in my library, where all documents are.  It is but  part of the map of the movement as it stands in my mind's eye this afternoon  ( 6: 30 p. m., Brazilian time now). 

As I said earlier, commentaries and corrections are most welcome. 

You can see that  the movement, broadly speaking, is not too small.  

Yet we should improve it as much as we can in our present lifetimes. 

Regards,   Carlos. 


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