Theos-Talk Archives (November 2006 Message tt00253)

--- In theos-talk@yahoogroups.com, Drpsionic@... wrote:

>> The theosophical movement is not ritualistic and this is for strong 
reasons.
> No, nor should it be. But there are individual Theosophists who

At least some rites existed in the early days of TS, and a mahatma 
reproaches the members for they don't follow them:

"There is a strong disposition to slur over the ceremony of
'initiation' in such a way as to make no serious impression upon
the candidate. The method of the Parent Society may be unsuited
to English prejudices, yet to fall into the opposite extreme of
undignified haste is very much worse. Your ways of initiation
are a standing insult to every regular chela and have provoked
the displeasure of their 'Masters'. It is a sacred thing with
us; why should it be otherwise with you?"

K.H. to Francesca Arundale, LMW vol.1 #4.

Yet I disagree with the Master; I think that there should be no 
obligatory ceremonies in the Theosophical Society.


> I don't think that there is any question that if HPB had lived 
longer she would have sat on Leadbeater.

She knew him for 7 years, by the way it's a standard probation term. I 
don't speak about chelaship here, but if 7 years is enough for 
probation for chelaship it should be also enough to form an opinion 
about a person.