Re: theos-talk Has money obesity led to TS lethargy?
Jan 11, 2012 08:38 AM
by M. Sufilight
Good question.
I can only ask the same.
_________________
Dear friends
My views are:
And then add:
Change - in the universe of time - occur when time yields an impulse for change.
Optional impulses are already present. And TS has changed during the last years more or less - and discussions are ongoing in TS as far as it officially has been given out, with regard to organisational change (See earlier posts here on Theos-talk). Which impulse are going to be the new central one is not visible to all interested parties. Not yet it seems.
Here are a two articles from the - major branch - the Theosophical Society - America website, whoc touches upon this issue.
See my comments in the below.
Thinking Aloud: The Specialization of Theosophy --- By Eldon Tucker
(The author says: "What is it that is the purpose of our Theosophical Society? The three objects--brotherhood, study of comparative religions, and investigation of the unexplained and latent--fall somewhere between the extremes of a pro-Krishnamurti anarchism where all spiritual authorities (except himself) are rejected and a dead-letter worship of the writings of Blavatsky that would make fundamentalist Christians seem liberal by comparison." ------ That is one version. There are other variations of the theme...... Then the author alter says....."If I could define Theosophy for the Theosophical Society, I'd say that it is a distinct body of esoteric doctrines derived from the Mahatmas, given to us by Blavatsky and perhaps a few other initiates".....
M. Sufilight says:
...That is a sectarian stance, and not a non-sectarian one. I hesitate on saying that this is The Theosophical Society proper as its original intentions was. - And there is more in that article speaking on behalf of the Theosophical Society - which at the same time claim - freedom of thought. Well that freedom is hampered by such teachings - on BEHALF of the Society - if I may say so. And this was not a part of the original Theosophical Society in 1875-1891 - which according to tits constitution and rules were Absolutely Non-Sectarian. - See the magazine named - the Theosophists Jan. 1891 - This is not an attack on the author behind the article. It is merely a wish and a hope that the Society returns to the original Absolutely Non-Sectarian programe given by the founders.)
http://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/1575
A Vision for Our Future - by Mo Michel
(The author says: "It is about focusing on ways in which Theosophy can meet the needs of people in the 21st century." I like that....Then he writes: "The Society holds that inevitably, our actions, feelings, and thoughts affect all other beings, all life around us. We find that each of us is capable of and responsible for contributing to the benefit of the whole."
M. Sufilight says:
...That is a sectarian stance, and not a non-sectarian one. I hesitate on saying that this is The Theosophical Society proper as its original intentions was. - And there is more in that article speaking on behalf of the Theosophical Society - which at the same time claim - freedom of thought. Well that freedom is hampered by such teachings - on BEHALF of the Society - if I may say so. And this was not a part of the original Theosophical Society in 1875-1891 - which according to tits constitution and rules were Absolutely Non-Sectarian. - See the magazine named - the Theosophists Jan. 1891 - This is not an attack on the author behind the article. It is merely a wish and a hope that the Society returns to the original Absolutely Non-Sectarian programe given by the founders.)
http://www.theosophical.org/membership/members-visioning
I do not mind freedom of speech - when we seek altruism in a well-meant manner in our intentions.
And I welcome freedom of thought.
But I reject the above sectarian idea - that one on behalf of the Society will turn the Original Programe of the Theosophical Society into something sectarian. Let each member have their own worldview - but most certainly NOT on BEHALF OF THE SOCIETY.
The Theosophical Society in 1875-1891 had a programe and a constitution which was clearly Absolutely Non-Sectarian in its aim.
See it here one more time:
1)
CONSTITUTION AND RULES OF THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY
"The Theosophical Society is absolutely unsectarian"
.......
" No Fellow, Officer, or Council of the Theosophical Society, or of any Section or Branch thereof, shall promulgate or maintain any doctrines being that advanced, or advocated by the Society."
http://www.teozofija.info/tsmembers/Rules_1890.htm
2)
[âORIGINAL PROGRAMMEâ MANUSCRIPT] as given by the co-founder Blavatsky
"But if the two Founders were not told what they had to do, they were distinctly instructed about what they should never do, what they had to avoid, and what the Society should never become. Church organizations, Christian and Spiritual sects were shown as the future contrasts to our Society."
.......
"The Founders had to exercise all their influence to oppose selfishness of any kind, by insisting upon sincere, fraternal feelings among the Membersâat least outwardly; working for it to bring about a spirit of unity and harmony, the great diversity of creeds notwithstanding; expecting and demanding from the Fellows, a great mutual toleration and charity for each otherâs shortcomings; mutual help in the research of truths in every domainâmoral or physicalâand even, in daily life. "
.......
"They had to oppose in the strongest manner possible anything approaching dogmatic faith and fanaticismâbelief in the infallibility of the Masters, or even in the very existence of our invisible Teachers, having to be checked from the first. On the other hand, as a great respect for the private views and creeds of every member was demanded, any Fellow criticising the faith or belief of another Fellow, hurting his feelings, or showing a reprehensible self-assertion, unasked (mutual friendly advices were a duty unless declined)âsuch a member incurred expulsion. The greatest spirit of free research untrammelled by anyone or anything, had to be encouraged."
(The words by Blavatsky are of course her own. But the aim of the programe - sought by her and Olcott was like she wrote about it.)
http://www.katinkahesselink.net/blavatsky/articles/v7/yxxxx_019.htm
My suggestion is:
Stick to the Original Programe - of being Absolutely Non-Sectarian - and - do this in the name of ALTRUISM - (Ie., The first and main object of the Society) - Promote officially - and eagerly - that the Society is Absolutely Non-Sectarian - And send this message to all other theosohical branches - and to all journalists (!) - and affilliated organisations. - And add that mistakes had been made in the past - and - non the Society is back on track. - The past - claimed problematic - events by various individuals, was due to the Society more or less drifted on to a Sectarian sand-bank and bathed in the mud like a hen laying its eegs - AND - that each individuals assumed (by journalists and historians and Christians) failings - entirely rested on the individual and not on the Society - which was Absolutely Non-Sectarian until the year 1908 or so.
If you are unwilling - I ask you: Why are you not willing to eagerly promote and market the Society as being Absolutely Non-Sectarian???
Any comments?
(Silence is consent.)
M. Sufilight
----- Original Message -----
From: Hughes, Marcus
To: theos-talk@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 4:57 PM
Subject: RE: theos-talk Has money obesity led to TS lethargy?
The only true constant is change.
TS is always changing, like this universe.
Question is how ????
From: theos-talk@yahoogroups.com [mailto:theos-talk@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of MKR
Sent: 11 January 2012 3:38 PM
To: theos-talk
Subject: theos-talk Has money obesity led to TS lethargy?
Has obesity led to TS lethargy?
When TS was launched with just two individuals, HSO and HPB, they
accomplished a lot when travel and living conditions were very difficult.
They traveled and lectured far and wide and TS grew in leaps and bounds
around the world. Looking back, we are convinced of the wisdom of the Inner
Founders in choosing both of them. (They were meat eaters and smokers.
Shocking for anyone who has a stereotype of spiritual person today.) One
problem they did not have was to deal with managing a lot of money in the
bank and lot of property to be administered.
Lo and behold. What do we have now? Membership is going South for years
except for India. Bank balances are becoming fatter and real estate
ownership accumulating. Dues have been increased in many Sections and
continued solicitation for donations. Aging leaders who know not what is
going on in real world of communication based on Internet. Looks like
obesity has set in slowly. And obesity leads to inactivity and lethargy.
Obesity is not good for oneâs health. By analogy it is true for spiritual
organizations as well.
For years, for example we have not seen any elected officials or traveling
lecturers in my city which is the seventh largest city in the USA. One
reason may be lodge does not have money or property to attract elected
officials.
Recently we were thrilled to see Professor Menonâs lecture on Theosophy and
Science put up on Youtube for the world to see. We heard that other
lectures were also videoed but yet to see any of them on Youtube. By the
way, Youtube is free. Does not cost a penny other than upload time and
resources. No one knows what is going on.
The GC meeting was held on December 25. Members know nothing about what was
discussed and what decisions were taken. Neither there is any news from
Adyar nor from the Sections on the meeting. Usually months after the
meeting, few crumbs are reported in print media. Why Internet is not used
to inform members on a timely basis on key issues discussed and decisions
taken?
For many members who have been around and very active for years, seeing all
this is very painful. If this trend continues, it may be time for the
traditional organizational model to change. Internet is the most powerful
change agent we have today and its reach has affected every aspect of
Humanity. More is yet to come.
Any feedback???
MKR
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