Theos-Talk Archives (June 2009 Message tt00677)

Robert,

You write in part:

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Daniel should be made aware of this. I am sure if he had read it carefully, he would never have presented this version of the pledge on his website.
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This is HPB's original pledge folder that I reproduced
in photographic facsimile.  It was and is not my job to censor
it.  

Readers can see it at:

http://www.blavatskyarchives.com/espage1.htm

Daniel
http://blavatskyarchives.com


--- In theos-talk@yahoogroups.com, "robert_b_macd" <robert.b.macdonald@...> wrote:
>
> 
> Anand, thanks for bringing this to my attention.
> 
> It seems we both agree that the second rule: " 2. I pledge myself to support, before the world, the Theosophical movement, it's leaders and it's members; and in particular to obey, without cavil or delay, the orders of the Head of the Esoteric Section in all that concerns my relation with the Theosophical movement." is problematic.
> 
> If we read the sentence carefully, something should become quite apparent about the structure of this sentence.  The first part up to the semi-colon is identical with what is found in Blavatsky's CW Vol XII.  The first part is outlining the relationship between the member of the ES and the outside world, how he is supposed to defend the good name of the Society and his fellow members of the TS.  The second part appears to be a sloppy adjunct that does not even make sense.  It starts "and in particular" leading the reader to think we are going to learn how to defend Society and colleagues in some particular fashion.  Instead we read about the relationship between the ES Member and the Head of the ES as regards the relation between the member and the Movement.  The first part of the sentence deals again with the ES Member and defending against non-theosophists, his colleagues and his Society; the second part claims to be a particular instance of the first part, but is in fact a pledge of blind obedience between the ES Member and ES Head as regards the Theosophical Movement.
> 
> The second part makes the ES Head a potential political force.  It must be remembered that Olcott never trusted the ES.  He and Blavatsky were at odds with its formation.  Had this clause been included in the pledge, a pledge that Olcott would have been familiar with, he would never have agreed to the formation of the ES in the first place.  It think it follows that unless I am missing something, it is extremely unlikely that this was the pledge that Blavatsky had members swear to.
> 
> Daniel should be made aware of this.  I am sure if he had read it carefully, he would never have presented this version of the pledge on his website.
> 
> Good observation Anand.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> --- In theos-talk@yahoogroups.com, "Anand" <AnandGholap@> wrote:
> >
> > The pledge,  as it was taken during the time of Blavatsky, by the candidates while joining the Esoteric Section of the TS, is already uploaded by Daniel and perhaps more people on the web sites. As it is no more secrete, I am copying it here. Source: http://www.blavatskyarchives.com/espage1.htm
> > 
> > The main contradiction, which I see in this pledge, is although pledge is made to the Higher Self, the other rule demands "Obedience to the Head of the Esoteric Section in all Theosophical matters."
> > Question can be asked whether a person should listen to the voice of his own Higher Self, or whether he should listen to the commands of the Head of the Esoteric Section. 
> > If the Head of the Esoteric Section is not a disciple and clairvoyant, how will he know the inner occult condition of a pupil in the Esoteric School? 
> > If the Head does not know pupil's condition, how can pupil trust his inner life to this Head by obeying commands of the Head of the ES?
> > Below is the pledge as drafted by Blavatsky.
> > ----------------------------------------------------------
> > The Esoteric Section of the T.S.
> > Dear
> > I forward herewith a copy of the Rules and Pledge for Probationers of the Esoteric Section of the T.S.
> > Should you be unable to accept them, I request that you will return this to me without delay.
> >  
> > Rules of the Esoteric Section (Probationary)  of the Theosophical Society.
> >  
> > 1. No person shall belong to the Esoteric Section who is not already a Fellow of the Theosophical Society.
> > 2. Application for membership in the Esoteric Section must be accompanied by a copy of the Pledge hereto appended, written out and signed by the Candidate, who thereupon enters upon a special period of probation, which commences from the date of his signature.
> > 3. All members shall be approved by the Head of the Section.
> > 4. He who enters the Esoteric Section is as one "newly born"; his past---unless connected with crime, social or political, in which case he cannot be accepted--- shall be regarded as never having had existence in respect of blame for actions committed.
> > 5. Groups of Theosophists belonging to the Esoteric Section may be formed under a charter from the Head of the Section.
> > 6. Any member joining the Section expressly agrees, without reservation, Clause II of the Pledge.
> > 7. To preserve the unity of the Section, any person joining it expressly agrees that he shall be expelled, and the fact of his expulsion made public to all members of the Section, should he violate any one of the three following conditions:-
> > (a) Obedience to the Head of the Section in all Theosophical matters.
> > (b) The Secrecy of the Signs and Passwords.
> > (c) The Secrecy of the documents of the Section, and any communication from any Initiate of any degree, unless absolved from such secrecy by the Head of the Section.
> >  
> > Pledge of Probationers in the Esoteric Section of the T.S.
> > 
> > 1. I pledge myself to endeavor to make Theosophy a living power in my life.
> > 2. I pledge myself to support, before the world, the Theosophical movement, it's leaders and it's members; and in particular to obey, without cavil or delay, the orders of the Head of the Esoteric Section in all that concerns my relation with the Theosophical movement.
> > 3. I pledge myself never to listen, without protest, to any evil think spoken of a brother Theosophist, and to abstain from condemning others.
> > 4. I pledge myself to maintain a constant struggle against my lower nature, and to be charitable to the weakness of others.
> > 5. I pledge myself to do all in my power, by study and otherwise, to fit myself to help and teach others.
> > 6. I pledge myself to give what support I can to Theosophical movement, in time, money, and work.
> > 7. I pledge myself to preserve inviolable secrecy as regards signs and passwords of the Section and all confidential documents.
> > So help me, my Higher Self.
> >  
> > Signed..............................
> >  
> >  
> >
>