Theos-Talk Archives (February 2010 Message tt00100)

Dear friends

My views are:


Sometimes one would do well in reading the words given by H. P. Blavatsky
about the reason for the formation of the Esoteric Section...

H. P. Blavatsky said to the members of the Esoteric Section:
"This degree of the Esoteric Section is probationary, and its general purpose is to prepare and fit the student for the study of practical occultism or Raj yoga. Therefore, in this degree, the student--save in exceptional cases--will not be taught how to produce physical phenomena, nor will any magical powers be allowed to develop in him; nor, if possessing such powers naturally, will he be permitted to exercise them before he has thoroughly mastered the knowledge of SELF, of the psycho-physiological processes (taking place on the occult plane) in the human body generally, and until he has in abeyance all his lower passions and his PERSONAL SELF.
The real Head of the Esoteric Section is a Master, of whom H. P. Blavatsky is the mouthpiece for this Section. He is one of those Adepts referred to in theosophical literature, and concerned in the formation of the Theosophical Society. "
. . . . . . .
"The Theosophical Society has just entered upon the fourteenth year of its existence; and if it has accomplished great, one may almost say stupendous, results on the exoteric and utilitarian plane, it has proved a dead failure on all those points which rank foremost among the objects of its original establishment. Thus, as a "Universal Brotherhood," or even as a fraternity, one among many, it has descended to the level of all those Societies whose pretensions are great, but whose names are simply masks,--nay, even SHAMS. Nor can the excuse be pleaded that it was led into such an undignified course owing to its having been
impeded in its natural development, and almost extinguished, by reason of the conspiracies of its enemies openly begun in 1884. Because even before that date there never was that solidarity in the ranks of our Society which would not only enable it to resist all external attacks, but also make it possible for greater, wider, and more tangible help to be given to all its members by those who are always ready to give help when we are fit to receive it. When trouble arose, too many were quick to doubt and despair, and few indeed were they who had worked for the Cause and not for themselves. The attacks of the enemy have given the Society some discretion in the conduct of its external progress, but its real internal condition has not improved, and the members, in their efforts towards spiritual culture, still require that help which solidarity in the ranks can alone give them the right to ask. The Masters can give but little assistance to a Body not thoroughly united in purpose and feeling, and which breaks its first fundamental rule--universal brotherly love, without distinction of race, creed or colour; nor to a Society, many members of which pass their lives in judging, condemning, and often reviling other members in a most untheosophical, not to say disgraceful, manner."
. . . . . . .
"For this reason it is now contemplated to gather the "elect" of the T.S. and to call them to action. It is only by a select group of brave souls, a handful of determined men and women hungry for genuine spiritual development and the acquirement of soul-wisdom, that the Theosophical Society at large can be brought back to its original lines. It is through an Esoteric Section alone--i.e., a group in which all the members, even if unacquainted with one another, work for each other, and by working for all work for themselves--that the great Exoteric Society may be redeemed and made to realize that in union and harmony alone lie its strength and power. The object of this Section, then, is to help the future growth of the Theosophical Society as a whole in the true direction, by promoting brotherly union at least among the few.
All know that this end was in view when the Society was established, and even in its mere unpledged ranks there was a possibility for development and knowledge, until it began to show want of real union; and now it must be saved from future dangers by the united aim, brotherly feeling, and constant exertions of the members of this Esoteric Section. Therefore, anyone who has signed the pledge without realizing this is earnestly recommended to reconsider his position, and to withdraw unless he is prepared to devote himself to the carrying out of this purpose. Once offered the grand example of practical altruism, of the noble lives of those who learn to master the great knowledge but to help others, and who strive to acquire powers but to place them at the service of their fellow-men, the whole theosophical community may yet be steered into action, and led to follow the example set before them.
The Esoteric Section is thus "set apart" for the salvation of the whole Society, and its course from its first steps will be an arduous and uphill work for its members, though a great reward lies behind the many obstacles once they are overcome.
http://www.katinkahesselink.net/blavatsky/articles/v7/yxxxx_019.htm


M. Sufilight asks and comments:
I ask your compassionate hearts as honest Seekers after Truth :

Do you my dear readers understand that, the Esoteric Section was according to H. P. Blavatsky created in 1888 so that "the Theosophical Society at large can be brought back to its original lines"; the lines openly deviated from in 1884?

Did this imply turning it towards a more or less blurred or openly declared political involvement á la A. O. Hume - National Congress of India? I would clearly say no, and no a thousand times!

Did this imply asserting a Messiah in the flesh as the World Teacher of the Age (The Maitreya) as a dogma or propagandized doctrine to follow? I would clearly say no, and no a thousand times!

Did this imply rejecting the view that "No Theosophist should be silent when he hears evil reports or slanders spread about the Society, or innocent persons, whether they be his colleagues or outsiders. " (The Key to the Theosophist, 2ed., 1890, p. 250)? I would clearly say no, and no a thousand times!

Did it only imply this with reagard to physically present humans or did it also imply it with regard deceased ones? I would clearly say both issues count, because people not living in the physical are present in our universe!




M. Sufilight

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