Re: Theos-World Bring the Theosophical Society back to its original lines!
Feb 12, 2010 10:39 PM
by Morten Nymann Olesen
Dear Cass
My views are:
try to read the links in my previous mail carefully, and you will find out, that H. P. Blavatsky says she allowed people to become members, when they were honest at the moment they filed for membership and that she allowed herself to ignore the fact that they perhaps or probably would change their heart after a short while. And for this she had to pay karmically. Therefore she changed the allowance of members arriving in the Esoteric Section, so that the vulgar were not allowed to become a member. (Try here and read past page 585: http://www.katinkahesselink.net/blavatsky/articles/v12/y1890_055.htm )
Here is my take on it based on the words given by H. P. Blavatsky.
I would rather say that the theosophical teachings operate in accordance with time, place, people, teaching, teacher and circumstances. No one can force people to do what they do not want. As they say: You can tak a mule to the water, but you cannot force it to drink. Therefore the break-away as you mentioned and not merely because they were thinking by themselves. Because people most often do that.
And that was why the Theosophical Society at first began as a semi-secret masonic-like body, and also because of the fact that at that time such a body was much more able in turning into something useful. The Objects were put under pressure in the beginning of the 1880-ties, when certain persons sought to promote some political theosophical Constitution and Rules in their branches. Slowly through the years the Constitution and Rules began to deviate from the Original lines. And Olcott and other leaders of the TS fell and deviated from the Original Lines, especially in 1884 according to H. P. Blavatsky in Blavatsky's Collected Writings and her letters. H. P. Blavatsky created the Esoteric Section in 1888 as a respones to this problem, even when we know that there were a higher Inner group beyond this probationary one, because several Chelas are mentrioned in Blavatsky's Collected Writings (Here they and a few others are: Damodar K. Mavalankar, H. S. Olcott, W. Q. Judge, Mohini Chatterjee, Djual Kool, Subba T. Row, Gargya Deva, S. Ramaswamier, Darbhagiri Nath, and more). It was done - as a protest and a call for compassion, and the promotion of a Universal Brotherhood - in 1888 so to turn the Theosophical Society back to the Original lines according to Blavatsky's own words which I have alrady quoted for you.
So I would rather say that some of the students, those who were too vulgar, were allowed in the beginning through H. P. Blavatsky's fault and her wish of collecting a certain amount of members. And some of them fell on the Path, when tested. And people get tested on the probationary Path. After the change were only non-vulgar members were allowed, we even there find that some of them fell after a while. The Path towards liberation and Moksha is not without trials and problems. There is nothing new in this. Through the centuries many have tried and fallen, and only few succeded. They were those who were ready to succeed. The Law of Karma is strict, it never fails and never allow it self to be mocked. - H. P. Blavatsky died only a few years after the formation of the Esoteric Section. But she almost predicted her own death in the Esoteric Section papers. (Try: Blavatsky Collected Writings Volume 12 Page 491-492)
But these are just my views, which at least are supported by H. P. Blavatsky in her own papers from the time.
M. Sufilight
----- Original Message -----
From: Cass Silva
To: theos-talk@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, February 13, 2010 12:50 AM
Subject: Re: Theos-World Bring the Theosophical Society back to its original lines!
Morten,
Look what happened - those that joined the esoteric group soon began to have their own ideas - and hence the breakaway. Theosophy in its infancy needed to be spread to the wider community, one could only do that by introducing an esoteric section that delved into the deep and hidden teachings. As I said it seemed as though some of those students began to think that they knew more than their teachers and the inevitable outcome of that was that theosophy became diluted or altered which would have defeated the purpose of the esoteric section. As they say, a little knowledge in the wrong hands!
Perhaps they learnt that the theosophical message challenged their own personal beliefs, and rather than change those beliefs, twisted them to fit in or be accomodated by their own personal belief system. You can take a horse to water, but you can't make it drink, as they say.
Cass
>
>From: Morten Nymann Olesen <global-theosophy@stofanet.dk>
>To: theos-talk@yahoogroups.com
>Sent: Sat, 13 February, 2010 3:53:38 AM
>Subject: Re: Theos-World Bring the Theosophical Society back to its original lines!
>
>
>Dear Cass and friends
>
>I hold your view to be against the esoterical theosophical teachings - and so does H. P. Blavatsky in her Esoteric papers as far as I can tell.
>The Masters have had groups for many years where they only allow certain members to participate.
>Various Chelas have also had groups where only certain members are allowed.
>
>Are you saying that H. P. Blavatsky was wrong when she and the others kicked Charles Sotheran out of the Theosophical Society?
>Are you also saying that H. P. Blavatsky was wrong when she kicked Mabel Collins out of her Esoteric Section and refused to accept everyone in her Esoteric Section?
>
>Let me seek to explain why...
>
>1.
>H. P. Blavatsky said in her Esoteric Section papers:
>"Having omitted, however, the usual precautions of the probationary period, I have but myself to thank; and therefore, it is but just that I should also be myself the first to suffer for it at the hands of the inexorable Karmic law. For this, ironclad as I have been made by daily and almost hourly unjust attacks, I would have cared but very little; but that which I deplore the mostââwith a bitterness few of you will ever realizeââis the fact that such a number of thoroughly earnest, good, and sincere men and women should be made to suffer for the guilt of the few. For, though but a fault of omission on my part, still that guilt, as I feel, is due to my neglect. Behold! my Karma appeared as a warning almost from the beginning of the E.S."
>...
>"I had started well. Several of those whom I knew to be entirely unfitted to take the pledge have been refused from the first; but I proved unable to withstand their prayers when certain of them declared to me that it was their âlast chance in life.â The âpledge feverâ made short work of their promises. One broke her vows only four days after signing her pledge, becoming guilty of the blackest treachery and disloyalty to her HIGHER SELF. And when I could no longer keep in the E.S. either herself or her friend, the two convulsed the whole Society with their calumnies and falsehoods. Then it was that the old wondering query, âHow is it that âpoor H.P.B.,â notwithstanding the Masters at her back, and her own insight, is so evidently unable to know her friends from her foes?â ran once more the round of theosophical circles, both here and in America.
>Brothers, if you will judge from appearances, and from the worldly standpoint, you are right; but if you take the trouble of looking into the inner causes producing outward results, you will find that you are decidedly in the wrong. That you should no longer do me injustice, let me explain what I mean."
>.......
>"[And now I sincerely hope that you willââsome of you, at leastââlearn a lesson from my weakness, and show your appreciation of this by not judging me too unkindly if I now change somewhat my policy. For I have to either do so, or to drop the Esoteric teachings altogether, for those at any rate, who will disagree with this arrangement. To avoid repeating the mistake, this is what I propose doing. Each Paper will be sent as it was hitherto, only it will appear as a Supplement to the Ethics and teachings which will impart the rules of Discipline and the laws of Discipleship, as in the case of all Probationers. ] Those who accept the new arrangement will have to study the latter, or they cannot receive any more teachings from me. For, as saith the Book of Discipline in the Schools of Dzyan:
>
>âSpeak not the mysteries to the common vulgar, nor to the casual friend, or new disciple. With prudent eye to the possible consequences, keep locked within your breast the teachings received, until you find a listener who will understand your words and sympathize with your aspirations.â
>This does not mean that you are at liberty to repeat what you have learned to anyone whom you believe to answer that description, but that you can exchange views with your co-disciples who are pledged as you are yourself."
>http://www.katinkah esselink. net/blavatsky/ articles/ v12/y1890_ 055.htm
>
>2.
>H. P. Blavatsky said in her Esoteric Section papers:
>"The Masters can give but little assistance to a Body not thoroughly united in purpose and feeling, and which breaks its first fundamental ruleââuniversal 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 âelectâ 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 aloneââi.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 themselvesââthat 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."
>.......
>"As to the relations of the Masters to this Section, it may be further said, paradoxically, that with Them everything is possible and everything impossible. They may or may not communicate personally on the outer plane with a member, and those who are continually wishing to receive âordersâ or communications directly from Them on this plane, either phenomenally or otherwise, will in all probability be disappointed. The Masters have no desire to prove Their power or give âtestsâ to anyone whatever. And the fact that a member has concluded that a crisis of some kind or other is at hand, when, according to his wise opinion, the Master or Masters ought to speak and interfere personally, is no sound reason for such an outward interference. "
>http://www.katinkah esselink. net/blavatsky/ articles/ v12/y1890_ 052.htm
>
>3.
>H. P. Blavatsky said in her Esoteric Section papers:
>"NOTICE
>Members of the E.S.T. receiving this Instruction will understand from its receipt that they have passed out of the First Probationary Degree of the E. S. T. into the Second Probationary Degree. The students in the Second Degree must not discuss this Instruction with anyone still in the First Degree; they must remain absolutely silent upon it, except to such persons as may be notified to them as belonging to the Second or Third Degrees by Annie Besant or William Q. Judge. Any breach of this rule of silence will be an absolute bar to receiving any further Instructions. "
>http://www.katinkah esselink. net/blavatsky/ articles/ v12/y1890_ 057.htm
>
>Do you think that the Masters would reveal all their teachings to the vulgar when in a group among the chelas?
>
>M. Sufilight
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Cass Silva
>To: theos-talk@yahoogro ups.com
>Sent: Friday, February 12, 2010 1:13 AM
>Subject: Re: Theos-World Bring the Theosophical Society back to its original lines!
>
>No, on the contrary Morten, I don't believe in any elite group being set up within an organization as this promotes division of its members into the 'blessed' and the 'unclean'. I have no problem with study groups formed around esoteric ideas but these should be open to all.
>
>Cass
>
>>
>>From: Morten Nymann Olesen <global-theosophy@ stofanet. dk>
>>To: theos-talk@yahoogro ups.com
>>Sent: Fri, 12 February, 2010 3:02:36 AM
>>Subject: Re: Theos-World Bring the Theosophical Society back to its original lines!
>>
>>
>>Dear Cass
>>
>>My views are:
>>
>>So you agree with me, that a secretive Esoteric Group, which requires approval before membership or opportunity to be taught is achived, might be a helpful idea?
>>
>>Some might consider the Secret Dcotrine to be a Bible. I would however say, that it is quite false to compare them to have anything in common since the Bible is turned into something infallible, whereas the Secret Doctrine never have claimed to be infallible or to be a Bible of any dead-letter or narrowminded dogmatic and fanatical interpretation.
>>
>>As I see it, we also have to keep the following in mind...
>>
>>The compassionate theosophist and the Sufi operates through the use of DESIGNs and MEASURINGs. Each teaching, book, lecture, e-mail etc. etc. is a DESIGN. After such a DESIGN has been presented, to the receiver(s) of it, the message, reacts on the individual in various ways. Depending on the reaction and the impact the message has or have - the Initiate or Initiates MEASURES the receiver(s). After a while a new DESIGN will be presented, maybe by another person or by other means. This teaching about DESIGN and MEASURING is ages old. HPB talked a bit about it. The Sufis are called the Designers, and sometimes also masons, i.e. the Eastern compassionate masons.
>>
>>Taken from A CURRICULUM OF A SCHOOL
>>"Man has few alternatives in his search for truth. He may rely upon his
>>unaided intellect, and gamble that he is capable of perceiving truth or even
>>the way to truth. This is a poor, but an attractive, gamble. Or he can
>>gamble upon the claims of an individual or institution which claims to have
>>such a way. This gamble, too, is a poor one. Aside from a very few, wo/men
>>in general lack a sufficiently developed perception to tell them:"
>>
>>1. Not to trust their own unaided mentation;
>>
>>2. Who or what to trust.
>>
>>"There are, in consequence, two main schools of thought in this matter. Some
>>say 'Follow your own promptings'; the other says: 'Trust this or that
>>intuition'. Each is really useless to the ordinary wo/man. Each will help
>>him use up his time."
>>
>>"The bitter truth is that before man can know his own inadequacy, or the
>>competence of another man or institution, he must first learn something
>>which will enable him to perceive both. Note well that his perception itself
>>is a product of right study; not of instinct or emotional attraction to the
>>individual, nor yet of desiring to 'go it alone'. This is 'Learning How To
>>Learn."
>>
>>"All this means, of course, that we are postulating here the need for
>>preparatory study before school work takes place. We deny that a man can
>>study and properly benefit from school work until he is equipped for it: any
>>more than a person can study space-navigation unless he has a grasp of
>>mathematics. "
>>
>>"This is not to say that a man (or a woman) cannot have a sensation of
>>truth. But the unorganized and fragmented mind which is most people's
>>heritage tends to distort the quality and quantity of this sensation,
>>leading to almost completely false conclusions about what can or should be
>>done."
>>
>>"This is not to say, either, that man cannot take part in studies and
>>activities which impinge upon that portion of him which is connected with a
>>higher life and cognition. But the mere application of special techniques
>>[often to everyone, regardless of their current state and requirements] will
>>not transform that man's consciousness. It will only feed into, and
>>disturb, more or less permanently, centers of thought and feeling where it
>>does not belong. Thus it is that something which should be a blessing
>>becomes a curse. Sugar, shall we say, for a normal person is nutritionally
>>useful. To a diabetic, it can be poison."
>>
>>"Therefore, before the techniques of study and development are made
>>available to the student, he must be enabled to profit by them in the
>>direction in which they are supposed to lead, not in short-term indulgence."
>>
>>"Thus our curriculum takes two parts: the first is in the providing of
>>materials of a preparatory nature, in order to equip the individual to
>>become a student. The second is the development itself."
>>
>>"If we, or anybody else, supply such study or preparatory material
>>prematurely, it will only operate on a lower level than it could. The result
>>will be harmless at best. At worst, it will condition, train, the mind of
>>the individual to think and behave in patterns which are nothing less than
>>automatic. In this latter way one can make what seem to be converts,
>>unwittingly play upon emotions, on lesser desires and the conditioning
>>propensity; train people to loyalty to individuals, found and maintain
>>institutions which seem more or less serious or constructive. But no real
>>progress towards knowledge of the human being and the other dimension in
>>which he partly lives will in fact be made... ... ...."
>>
>>Taken partly from: "Learning How to Learn" by the Afghan sufi-author Idries
>>Shah
>>
>>M. Sufilight
>>
>>----- Original Message -----
>>From: Cass Silva
>>To: theos-talk@yahoogro ups.com
>>Sent: Thursday, February 11, 2010 2:00 AM
>>Subject: Re: Theos-World Bring the Theosophical Society back to its original lines!
>>
>>From what HPB said, we are given only what we can absorb and assimilate. No point in giving us esoteric knowledge that we are not ready for. The Secret Doctrine is not unlike the Bible in that it was written for both exoteric and esoteric students, so whatever level the reader is at, it provides guidance.
>>
>>Cass
>>
>>Cass
>>
>>>
>>>From: Morten Nymann Olesen <global-theosophy@ stofanet. dk>
>>>To: theos-talk@yahoogro ups.com
>>>Sent: Thu, 11 February, 2010 2:58:47 AM
>>>Subject: Re: Theos-World Bring the Theosophical Society back to its original lines!
>>>
>>>
>>>Dear Cass and friends
>>>
>>>My views are:
>>>
>>>A new Esoterical School might be necessary or a good and compassionate. Remember that we emply agents in various groups and organisations. But I find, that another Theosophical Society following the original lines would be a much better idea, - well provided that the present Theosophical Society is not able to show us that they still follow the original lines given by the Masters, and why their lines or program are better than the original one.
>>>
>>>Such a Knowledge is esoterical knowledge. And that kind of Knowledge is not, (so I have been told here at Theos-talk), officially claimed by the leaders Theosophical Society today. An example: Try to ask the Master whether they consider their Himalayan group to be an elite group. Do you think that the Masters Himalayan group will reveal all and everything esoterical to everyone?
>>>
>>>M. Sufilight
>>>
>>>----- Original Message -----
>>>From: Cass Silva
>>>To: theos-talk@yahoogro ups.com
>>>Sent: Tuesday, February 09, 2010 11:54 PM
>>>Subject: Re: Theos-World Bring the Theosophical Society back to its original lines!
>>>
>>>I hope you are not suggesting that new esoteric schools be formed? What knowledge is so esoteric that it can now only be shared by an elite group?
>>>
>>>Cass
>>>
>>>>
>>>>From: Morten Nymann Olesen <global-theosophy@ stofanet. dk>
>>>>To: theos-talk@yahoogro ups.com
>>>>Sent: Wed, 10 February, 2010 6:18:19 AM
>>>>Subject: Theos-World Bring the Theosophical Society back to its original lines!
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>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-physiologica l 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.katinkah esselink. 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 à 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
>>>>
>>>>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
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