Theos-Talk Archives (April 2010 Message tt00097)

Hey, just thought of a great idea - why not combine all lodges under the umbrella of a Theosophical Brotherhood.
>
>Cass
>
>From: MKR <mkr777@gmail.com>
>To: theos-talk <theos-talk@yahoogroups.com>
>Sent: Thu, 22 April, 2010 3:39:18 AM
>Subject: Theos-World Working for Humanity Through the T. S.
>
>Â 
>Here is a msg re-posted as I think it is timely considering the current
>status of TS membership trend in countries outside USA.
>
>Thanks to Eldon for the theos-world from which I was able to copy since I
>could not locate my original post on vnet.
>
>MKR
>Working for Humanity Through the T. S.
>
><http://www.theos- world.com/ archives/ authors.html# AUTHOR062>
>
>* *
>
>*[based upon a May 12, 1997 posting to theos-l@vnet. net] *
>
>In looking at how the Theosophical Society can be of practical value in the
>world, I believe there are a couple of points that need to be considered.
>
>The needs of the members who join and continue in TS vary considerably.
>
>When the Theosophical Society was started, while much of the philosophy was
>being written up, we see that not much emphasis was placed on such practices
>as meditation, concentration etc. On the other hand we see both H.P.
>Blavatsky and H.S. Olcott getting involved in some practical social issues
>which affect men and women. The first Sanskrit schools in Madras and also
>the school for Panchama (depressed classes) School was started. In addition,
>work was done in reviving Buddhism.
>
>Though the Esoteric School of Theosophy was later started due to requests
>from selected individuals for practical instructions for self-improvement,
>and interest grew up later, during the time of Annie Besant, she was
>intensely involved in the various movements in India which affected the
>masses. They are Indian Independence, national system of schools, and
>various other endeavors.
>
>Even during later years, Rukmini Devi Arundale was actively involved in
>animal welfare in India.
>
>If we look at the Theosophical Society, the members have to be self-starters
>so that they can embark on a plan which is practical application of the
>three objects of T.S.
>
>The elitist and ivory tower attitude generally comes from certain
>inferiority complex in the minds of some who may be thinking that they have
>evolved further than the rest.
>
>What I have seen is that some of the very experienced members who are humble
>and realize that whatever they may know is so insignificant compared to
>those who have first hand knowledge, do act in a non elitist/ivory manner.
>
>Also some times when anyone gets elected or appointed to an organizational
>position, that gets to their head and you may see some demonstration of the
>elitist attitude â which is just normal human reaction, because everyone
>wants to feel important and associated with something important or big.
>
>Generally what I find is that anyone who is service oriented will find the
>Theosophical Society's environment a comfortable one in spite of all the
>short comings. After all, as the Real Founders wanted to help Humanity and
>all the rest were secondary.
>
>If someone is interested practical instructions in such practical matters as
>astral projection, astral, mental, etc travel etc. etc. they may have to
>look elsewhere for instruction.
>
>I just visited with the Maha-Chohan letter which is considered by every TS
>leader from H.P.B. onwards was the most important letter ever received from
>the Adept Teachers as it is a communication from the Maha-Chohan ("to whose
>insight the future lies like an open page â K.H.)
>
>It was a response to the two Englishmen - AO Hume and AP Sinnett who did not
>clearly understand the goal of Theosophical Society. The Adepts told them
>that the true significance of Their attempt to influence the world through
>TS was to mold the world towards a larger and truer sense of Brotherhood
>than the religions had so far accomplished. (Jinarajadasa' s comment in
>Letters from the MW - I Series).
>
>The letter goes on to say:
>
>Colonel H.S.O., who works but to revive Buddhism, may be regarded as one who
>labors in the true path of theosophy, far more than any other man who
>chooses as his goal the gratification of his own ardent aspirations for
>occult knowledge.
>
>It is not the individual and determined purpose of attaining oneself Nirvana
>(the culmination of all knowledge and absolute wisdom) which is after all
>only an exalted and glorious *selfishness* â but the self-sacrificing
>pursuit of the best means to lead on the right path our neighbor, to cause
>as many of our fellow-creatures as we possibly can to benefit by it, which
>constitutes the true Theosophist.
>
>Rather perish the TS with both its hapless founders than that we should
>permit it to become no better than an academy of magic, a hall of occultism.
>
>And it is we, the humble disciples of these perfect Lamas, who are expected
>to allow the TS to drop its noble title, that of Brotherhood of Humanity, to
>become a simple school of psychology. No, no, good brothers, you have been
>laboring under the mistake too long already.
>
>>From a reading of the above, it is very clear if some one joins the TS with
>the expectation of *practical* lessons on topics such as concentration,
>meditation, and other psychic and psychological exercises, I am sure there
>will be a great disappointment.
>I also personally believe that greater interest and activity by individual
>members in practical application of Brotherhood in any way we can, is but
>sure to make us very sensitive and perceptive as we go along so that we will
>be able to detect great opportunities for service and also potential
>opportunities to help the needy and down-trodden.
>
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