Theos-Talk Archives (November 2006 Message tt00404)

Dear Friends, 
 
 
It?s always interesting to try to understand what is the right relationship between the theosophical movement  and the various kinds of ritualisms now existing. 
 
As conceived by HPB, it seems that the modern theosophical  movement cannot be open to rites and rituals. Its design does not include that kind of activity, or that method.  
 
HPB wrote: 
 
?Having neither dogma nor ritual ? these two being but fetters, a material body which suffocates the soul ? we do not employ the ?ceremonial magic? of the Western Kabalists; we know its dangers too well to have anything to do with it.? (1) 
 
On the other hand, it is relatively well-known that in the 18th century Alessandro Cagliostro did try to reform Masonry with his Egyptian Rite, in Lyon.  What was the result of that?  
 
In her text ?Lodges of Magic?, while answering a question, HPB says that she is indeed willing to do some ?inner work? in the theosophical movement, and she adds: 
 
?... Yet not on the plan of Cagliostro, which, by-the bye, brought direful  suffering upon his head,  and has left no marked traces  behind to encourage a repetition in our days. When the pupil is ready,  the teacher will be found waiting?, says a Eastern maxim.? (...) (2) 
 
 
Of course, C. W, Leadbeater and Annie Besant did make an unfortunate parody of Cagliostro?s Egyptian Rite, besides inventing a ?theosophical masonry? of their own.  
 
The ?inner? or ?practical? work HPB referred to would not be ritualistic; it would be the esoteric school. 
 
 
 
Best regards,   Carlos. 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES:
 
(1) ?The Beacon of the Unknown?, a text published in ?HPB Collected Writings?, TPH, India/USA,   volume XI, see p. 266. The quotation is by the end of  part IV in that text.  
 
(2) ?Lodges of Magic?, a text in ?Teachers and Disciples, Articles by H. P. Blavatsky?,  a pamphlet published by The  Theosophy Company, Los Angeles, 40 pp., see p. 7.  The same text can be found in the ?Collected Writings of HPB? (TPH), volume X. 
 


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