Theos-Talk Archives (December 2006 Message tt00043)

Friends,
 
H.P.Blavatsky  is well known for having been against social formalities and  ceremonialisms of various  kinds. 
 
This was not something personal, though.    It did not come exclusively from her lower quaternary. The occult reason for her a ttitude is in  the fact that ceremonialisms “plaster” life.  They  stiffen and petrify things and procedures, and  thus prevent their renewal and the free expression of higher mind or Buddhi-Manas.   
 
Therefore one of the Masters wrote to A. P. Sinnett: 
 
“The conventionalities  of the weary world, outside our secluded ‘Ashrums’,  trouble us but little at any time; least of all now, when it is men not ceremony-masters, we seek, devotion, not mere observances. More and more a dead formalism is gaining ground, and I am truly happy to find so unexpected an ally in a quarter where, hitherto there have not been too many – among the highly educated classes  of English Society.” (1) 
 
There is more.  In another Letter,  the Master describes some  apparently important ceremonies –  in  which he  would have to be personally present –  as “bubbles to amuse babes”.  
 
His exact  words:  
 
“In about a week – new religious ceremonies, new glittering bubbles to amuse babes with, and once more I will be busy night and day, morning, noon and evening.” (2) 
 
Previously in  the same letter,  he had already written about “the maya of heresy and belief in the efficacy of vain rites and ceremonies;  in prayers and intercession”.  (3) 
 
Looking at the history and at the present moment of  the theosophical movement, it is regrettable to see that, since Annie Besant’s time,   the Adyar TS leaders and members have  largely  left real Theosophy aside,  in order to better dedicate themselves to such dead and dire ceremonialisms.  
 
Yet no illusion is eternal  and there is always hope for a cultural rebirth.  I hope a renascence may take place sooner than later.      
 
Best  regards,   Carlos. 
 
 
NOTES: 
 
(1) “The Mahatma Letters”, TUP, Pasadena, CA, USA, 1992, 494 pp., see Letter IV, first paragraph, p. 11.  In the Chronological Edition (Philippines TPH), Letter 5. 
 
(2) “The Mahatma Letters”, TUP, Letter XVI, p. 116. In the Chronological Edition, Letter 68, p. 203. 
 
(3) “The Mahatma Letters”, TUP, Letter XVI, p. 111. In the Chronological Edition, Letter 68, p . 199. 
 


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]