Theos-Talk Archives (December 2008 Message tt00003)

When the whole world should be ready for that???
As Mahatma's wrote the struggle will even go on into the fifth round.
But we need to give eye-openers again, again and again, so that more 
and more people will understand and see the difference.
That is why (till now) there has been given enough literature to make 
that happen.
Christina















--- In theos-talk@yahoogroups.com, Erica Letzerich <eletzerich@...> 
wrote:
>
> KEEPING THE LINKUNBROKEN
> Erica L. Georgiades
> [Lecture delivered at the Theosophical Society in Greece - Lodge 
Hypatia.]
> 
> Memories written on pages of the past bring us images able to touch 
us so deep that many times our eyes are filled with tears. This is 
what happened to me when I read an issue of The Theosophist, 
containing articles describing the passing away of H.P.B., and the 
honor paid to her by some theosophists. H.P.B. is undoubtedly the 
mother of the Theosophical movement and was a remarkable woman.
> 
> After H.P.B. passed away a great interrogation point was left. 
Where are the Mahatmas, who really were them? Why they did not 
contacted any theosophist after she passed away. Was the 1900's 
letter original or not? Such questions remain without answers until 
today and probably will remain for centuries to come. The option left 
to many theosophists was so to embrace through faith, through study, 
through fidelity to H.P.B., the existence of the Mahatmas. And so was 
done. But there is something more important than to prove the 
existence of the Mahatmas and know who they really were or are, more 
important than any phenomena that impressed early theosophists, and 
this is the Theosophical cause for which H.P.B. and many other  
theosophists lived and died for. It is on this cause we must focus.  
> 
> Looking back at the 19th century we see early theosophical 
writings, presenting a large base for study and reflection. 
Syncretism, ecumenism, and a great effort to comprehend the occult 
the unexplained is extensively found in the theosophical writings. We 
also see the great neo-platonic spirit revived with the foundation of 
the Theosophical Society. In the very writings of H.P.B., we see how 
gradually she changes her approach and style, from the publication of 
Isis Unveiled to the publication of the Secret Doctrine we see a 
great turn into theosophical teachings, which with the latter is 
presented in the form of a system.   We also see comparative studies 
as a basic theosophical approach. To try to gather the pearls of 
wisdom from different
> philosophical, religious traditions and to present it to the 
public, showing them there is no reason for religious fanaticism. 
Showing that Truth is but one though dressed with different garments, 
throughout different ancient world cultures religious and 
philosophical traditions.  Not minimizing the importance and 
relevance of every religion, but pointing out the importance of their 
preservation and deeper understanding by their followers. The T.S. 
raised its voice against religion oppression and fanaticism, against 
blind superstition and fears resulted from the misinterpretation of 
scriptures and promoted by the clergy of different religions. 
> 
> The T.S. entered the arena in the 19th century; offering equal 
rights, for men and women. Accepting members of any religious and 
philosophical background any culture, any country. Showing to the 
Western world; the greatness of the Eastern religious and 
philosophical teachings. Early theosophists were on the vanguard of 
their society and in fact many centuries ahead the 19th century.  Now 
in the 21st century are we theosophists ahead? Are we theosophists 
managing to go on with their great work started in the 19th century? 
My reply to that is no. One of the reasons for that is the 
theosophical conservatism, which appeared sometime after one of the 
last greatest leaders of the T.S. passed away, Annie Besant.
> 
> In the booklet written by Michael Gomes The Dawning of the 
Theosophical Movement, we see there was nothing as conservatism 
between the pioneers of the Theosophical Movement. They would do 
things; that still today one most probably would feel reluctant of 
even thinking to do. We are in the 21st century, the bravery the 
courage, the challenges the pioneers of the Theosophical Movement 
presented for the society of the 19th century, remains so long as 
memories for us. It seems we did not learn the great lessons the 
pioneers of the Theosophical Movement left for us. We are comfortable 
closed on our lodges and Sections, having discussions within our own 
group of people who presents no challenges. Many others are just 
embracing the so called "New Age" practices and adding it in their 
activities, from the "Awakening of the Inner Child", to courses on 
"Hatha Yoga". Today in some Sections of the T.S. one can find 
everything provided by any third
>  category new age center. And in these Sections somehow our great 
objects seem to be resting for while at Hypnos Cave.
> 
> The world more than ever needs the healing influence of the 
Theosophical Spirit. Thepromotion of our three objects is a must in 
the 21st century. Since
> the dawn of the new millennium we see materialism growing as weed 
on wild fields. Violence and poverty increases every day followed by 
religious
> fanaticism. Even mediumism which H.P.B. fought so much against is a 
much stronger phenomenon nowadays than it was in the 19th century. 
> Can't you hear the silent cry of humanity springing out of this 
chaos? If you stop for while, in silence and center your attention in 
your heart, I am sure you will be able to perceive that. You will see 
we theosophists have a great workto do, and time has no mercy upon 
us. Let not arrive a day when future
> generations will look behind and seeing what we have done, will 
say: why, why they did not try harder. Let's try to offer the best we 
can now. Let's not fear the judgment of the weak, and the criticism 
of the full. Let not conventionalities be a barrier for the work and 
care not of what people has to say about you or what you do.  We all 
carry potentially within us the power the dreams the hopes of our 
theosophist's ancestors. We may not be linked to them by blood line, 
but we are connected to them by a much stronger link the theosophical 
link. 
> 
> Once talking about the theosophical link which between other things 
is also the link of responsibility, duty and strength we are passing 
on from our theosophical ancestors it's suitable to remind a register 
made by Isabel C. Oakley describing what Blavatsky cried out few days 
before passing away:  "?keep the link unbroken; don't let my last 
incarnation become a failure".  Here we may ask why would Blavatsky 
utter these words? Her work wasn't a failure. Her books, especially 
the Secret Doctrine will remain for many as a source of inspiration 
and study for centuries to come. So what were the link and the 
failure H.P.B. was talking about? What is the nature of this link my 
friends? When we comprehend deeply the nature of the Theosophical 
Spirit we will be able to comprehend what is the nature of this Link 
and we will be able to see where lays the danger of failure.  It is 
clear the Theosophical Society and the work of H.P.B. was not 
directed to
>  few. Both her work and the Theosophical Society are dedicated to 
the spiritual awakening of
> Humanity. In order to comprehend what is this Great Theosophical 
Spirit it's not possible to ignore the literal meaning of the word 
THEOSOPHY. Divine Wisdom or Brahma Vidya is the literal definition of 
the Hellenic word Theosophy. Here we may ask my friends, can Divine 
Wisdom be taught?
> Theoretically we can teach that there is such a thing as Theosophy 
(DivineWisdom) but the realization and learning of real Theosophy 
comes essentially
> from within. Only those who are able to penetrate the depths of 
their soul, to perambulate in the labyrinths of the self, are those 
who will be able to learn THEOSOPHY. 
> 
> H.P.B. request to "keep the Link Unbroken" was not directed to the 
Theosophical Society itself. It was a request to every individual who 
truly aspires to become a theosophos. This is an ancient link which 
unities beings of all eras. Individuals able to sacrifice themselves 
for the well being of others; individuals who have realized THEOSOPHY 
from within. While we have theosophists between us who are able to do 
so, the link will be always kept unbroken. This Link my friends can 
be cultivated only from within can be kept alive only from within; 
its nature is essentially esoteric. One may adore
> H.P.B., may study only her writings, may promote only her 
teachings. He still won't be a theosophos, and will not be keeping 
the link unbroken.   Instead will be disseminating dogmatism and 
won't be any different from a fanatical religious follower. H.P.B. 
herself expressed a great syncretism and ecumenical spirit in all her 
writings. In fact this spirit was the very first great lesson she 
left to her students. This  does not mean one should not study her 
writings. In fact I think a greater effort into studying the Secret 
Doctrine should be made.  For in this work several keys are given for 
the
> eternal aspirants for the truth.
> 
> In an articleentitled "What Can We Do For Our Fellow-men" H.P.B. 
stated the following: "HE WHO DOES NOT PRACTISE ALTRUISM; HE WHO IS 
NOT
> PREPARED TO SHARE HIS LAST MORSEL WITH A WEAKER OR POORER THAN 
HIMSELF; HE WHO NEGLECTS TO HELP HIS BROTHER MAN, OF WHATEVER RACE, 
NATION, OR CREED, WHENEVER AND WHEREVER HE MEETS SUFFERING, AND WHO 
TURNS A DEAF EAR TO THE CRY OF HUMAN MISERY; HE WHO HEARS AN INNOCENT 
PERSON SLANDERED, WHETHER A BROTHER THEOSOPHIST OR NOT, AND DOES NOT 
UNDERTAKE HIS DEFENCE AS HE WOULD UNDERTAKE HIS OWN ? IS NO 
THEOSOPHIST." Altruism is the second great lesson H.P.B. taught and 
in the Golden Stairswe find many relevant points that lead us into 
theTheosophical Spirit:
> 
> "a clean life, an open mind, a pure heart, an eager intellect, an 
unveiled spiritual perception,  a brotherliness for all, a readiness 
to give and receive advice and instruction, a courageous endurance of 
personal injustice, a brave declaration of principles, a valiant 
defense of those who are unjustly attacked, and a constant eye to the 
ideal of human progression and perfection which theSacred Science 
depicts these are the golden stairs up the
> steps of which the learner may climb to the Temple of Divine 
Wisdom." 
> 
> The Temple of "Divine Wisdom" is the "Temple of Theosophy". It is 
there, where we meet the Great Theosophical Spirit. It's only those 
who are truly treading the "Golden Stairs" which leads to the "Temple 
of Theosophy" who are real Theosophos. It's on their hands the 
responsibility to carry on the work which H.P.B. gave continuity (for 
others came before her) and so many others after her.  It's only them 
who are able to "Keep the Link Unbroken". Because their lives are 
deeply and truly dedicated to the goodness of all. They are in fact 
future Bodhisattvas. Every person known or unknown, who deeply and 
truly made an inner commitment to thread this path, becomes the 
thread in the needle of the "Teacher" and is keeping the link 
unbroken. Have no doubts my friends, the link has been kept unbroken 
by known and unknown theosophists. And will be kept for centuriesto 
come. 
> 
> Still many theosophists who do not belong to Adyar (some do belong) 
say our Theosophical Society is a failure. They say the link was 
broken using the famous letter written by H.P.B. "Why I do not return 
to Adyar" to support their arguments. Many say the Theosophical 
Society is for long dead. If it was so why she would request a link 
that no long existed at the time to be kept unbroken? It was my 
friends because in fact this link was never broken. Thousand times I 
have heard from beloved friends such argument. Thousand times I've 
heard they say "why don't you do something else, why you waste your 
time and energy with the Theosophical Society Adyar? They failed. 
During the very time H.P.B. was stillalive they proved to be a 
failure."  For
> thisthousand times I reply and will reply to them, the Theosophical 
Society Adyar did not fail. The Theosophical Society is keeping on 
its work and will keep on its work for centuries to come. The 
Theosophical Society Adyar is THE major gateway for many to learn 
there is such a thing as THEOSOPHY. 
> Some also say that the Theosophical message is out there. People no 
longer need to be a member of the Theosophical Society to access it. 
This is of course an obvious fact. The Theosophical message was 
always out there. It was never property of any organization and never 
will be. The Theosophical message was out there throughout ages and 
much before the incarnation of the person we know as H.P.B. took 
place. The Theosophical message in fact is not a body of teachings, 
is not a specific system, cannot be classified, filed, dissected, and 
taught. The Theosophical message is within the heart of every REAL 
truth seeker. The Theosophical Society was not founded with the 
pretention to be the only place where one can find THEOSOPHY. On the 
contrary the Theosophical Society was founded to point out there is 
something like THEOSOPHYand to promote the Great Theosophical Spirit. 
> 
> The Theosophical Spirit between other things brings on its wings an 
understanding that we are family, and as so we must see each member 
of our Society truly as a brothers and sisters. All of us are subject 
to commit mistakes, errors.  Understanding this we must be able to 
forgive. We must comprehend that our Society will face up and downs, 
periods of conflicts, disharmony and harmony. From difficult moments, 
we learn the greatest lessons. We must not hold for any brother and 
sister negative feelings, we must not isolate any member of our 
family because his/heractions are not in accordance with what we 
think to be right or wrong.  
> 
> We must not allow our dedication to the Theosophical cause to be 
shaken. Life is made of good and bad moments. We must keep focused 
on  strengthening the work of our lodges, groups, sections etc. And 
most important of all we must cultivate our inner life. Without a 
truly active inner life, there is no esotericism, there is no 
interiorization, there will be only empty intellect decorated by 
beautiful words and fancy talking. Only those who have an active 
inner life and slowly come to know the truth of meditation are able 
to become the thread in the needle of the "Teacher". It's this thread 
that keeps the Link Unbroken. 
> 
> We know each person practices what feels inclined to. But when 
someone wants deeply something and applies a great will towards the 
aspired aim,  there is nothing in this world that can stop one 
achieving it. Especially when this will is driven by an altruistic 
urge to help humanity. In our case we are united to try to serve 
humanity through our Society. Let's not ever forget the major aim of 
our work, to help humanity the Great Orphan, and let's not forget 
also the great truth which follows it: when doing so in fact we are 
helping our own selves.
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>