Theos-Talk Archives (November 2006 Message tt00100)

Comments;
Pasadena TS has nine sections today; seven of those are active in 
eight countries. 

The ULT has 25 lodges (plus some official Study Groups manly in the 
US, and so called Theosophy Groups, the last ones are not officially 
parts of the ULT, and are often new started and connected with the 
ULT) present in twelve countries. 

The numbers of members are not official, nether in Pasadena TS or 
ULT. One can guess, and get it more or less right, put I don't think 
that is the right thing to do.

Carl

--- In theos-talk@yahoogroups.com, "carlosaveline" 
<carlosaveline@...> wrote:
>
> 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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