Theos-Talk Archives (March 2012 Message tt00053)

A few views and a question...

Is it so that all readers of the below previous post find it to be unimportant --- Or is it just  - little me - who is missing something vital here?

The below could in certain respects also - easily - be related to other theosophical organisations or related off-shots of The Theosophical Society in Adyar.

Altruism must be important to promote for members such organisations.



M. Sufilight


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: M. Sufilight 
  To: theos-talk@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2012 2:51 PM
  Subject: theos-talk TS - Sectarian (?) Freedom of Thought versus Altruistic Anti-sectarian Psychology


    
  Dear friends 

  My views are:

  A few words on the Theosophical Society.

  A few words about John Alego's wellmeant article: "THEOSOPHY AN INTRODUCTORY STUDY COURSE FOURTH EDITION"
  given here http://www.theosophical.org/files/resources/selfstudy/theosophyintro.pdf
  (Given a special place on Daniel Caldwell's website - http://blavatskyarchives.com/theosophypdfs/early_theosophical_publications.htm)

  A quote or two follows...

  John Alego wrote:
  "SOME FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS OF THEOSOPHY"
  "The universe and everything in it are orderly, following patterns of regular
  cycles, including alternating phases of activity and rest, governed by a
  universal principle of cause and effect or karma. In human life, this principle of
  cycles is expressed, among other ways, by repeated rebirths or reincarnation."
  .......
  "The evolving entities of the universe include intelligences both less and more
  advanced than human beings, of whom some of the more advanced (the
  Masters or Adepts) may serve as helpers and guides to the less advanced."
  .......
  "THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, while reserving for each member full freedom to
  interpret those teachings known as Theosophy, is dedicated to preserving and
  realizing the ageless wisdom, which embodies both a worldview and a vision of
  human self-transformation."
  http://www.theosophical.org/files/resources/selfstudy/theosophyintro.pdf

  M. Sufilight says:

  With regard to the above quotes page 12 +14 in the above and later pages...
  We know that the Theosophical Society, in its early days, never made the doctrines of Karma and the Masters an article of faith, and neither a sectarian promotion within the Society on behalf of it.
  Why change this today year 2012 and call it Altruism in a claimed non-sectarian Society?
  The book says that there is freedom of thought - but at the same time promotes a sectarian doctrine called - Theosophy - as if it was done ON BEHALF of the Theosophical Society, and then call the Society a Society that promotes freedom of thought.

  Such a method of promoting a doctrine as claimed altruism - is these days by wellknown Anti-cult psychologist and the moderate Exit-Counseelors called - Subtle Mind Control or sectarian behavior.
  I wonder what the purpose is with such promotions.

  Why not avoid turning the public opinion about the Theosophical Society into a sect, or a cult or worse?
  Is it not true that most journalists, historians and average new Agers consider the Theosophical Society to be a sect or worse and not as Absolutely Non-Sectarian?
  And how do we become better in avoiding this, as I see it, sad situation to continue than the above book are able to by its self-condtradicting and in fact quite sectarian content?
  Altruism cannot be sectarian in its promotions (of so-called claimed truths), because - it has to seek to be Absolutely Non-Sectarian. This is an obvious fact, and not a belief. Is it not?

  Anyone?

  It seems to me that a Sectarian Thesophical Organization claiming to promote Altruism - can relatively fast increase its memberships among the Average New Age seekers etc. who are used to Sectarian
  Organizations. A Non-Sectarian Thesophical Organization can however not do that it seems - unless it is clear and non-blurred about its objects and aims in this regard. And promote genuine Altruism, which necessitates a Non-Sectarian promotion.

  I find these thoughts and questions central to the reason why there is an at least apparent stand still with regard to the memberships of the Theosophical Society.
  And add to that an apparent lack of self-searching open honesty and open-minededness with regard to the past failures in the Theosophical Society with regard to these issues and other failures.
  I suggest that one become honest about past failures - when they can be proven. And then seek to avoid them. Also organizationally speaking.

  __________________
  A few words explained and defined by me:
  a) 
  Sectarian person:
  A narrow or bigoted person or persons. And a person how teaches doctrines on BEHALF of an organisation - and - avoid clearly doing it NOT on behalf of herself or himself. Or one who let such an activitiy be promoted as if it was a non-sectarian one, what it is not. Or a person who operate as a priest in such an sectarian manner. 

  Sect: The term is occasionally used in a negative way to suggest the broken-off group follows a more negative path than the original. Or an organisation promoting the above named sectarian teachings, or which has an outward bias towards on particular set of doctrines, gives a handful of so-called Eminent Personalities and Compound Shrines more emphasis than others.

  Bigotry added to explain the word sectarian:
  A bigot is a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices. The correct use of the term requires the elements of intolerance, irrationality, and animosity toward those of differing 

  beliefs or views. 

  b)
  Dogma and dogmatic:
  Dogma is the established belief or doctrine held by a religion, ideology or any kind of organization: it is authoritative and not to be disputed, doubted, or diverged from. 
  Condemnations or worse might reach those who oppose the leaders in a dogmatic church or sect.

  __________________

  A few more comments:

  No doubt the public, with its journalists, historians, opinion-makers, and average New Agers, and people in general view the the Theosophical Society as a mere Sect, or even as a Cult or worse these days.

  And a Non-Sectarian message is important today year 2012, when one seek to promote Altruism, ie. Wholeheartedly and Sincere, in these days where the Science of Psychology now is a known and recognized Science, not a belief. (In 1875-1910 it was in its infancy).
  And since the Organisational structure of the the Theosophical Society - is claimed to be organic in nature - of necessity because of the realitites of the existence of time and space - It might be right to consider whether there is a need to change the Consitution and Rules of the Theosophical Society - as soon as possible in light of the above questions I have written.

  Let us recognize the Truth when it is proven to us.
  Lack of Self-Criticism has never been the Apex of Altruism and Compassion.
  Let Altruism flourish - I beg of you do not keep it down under false pretences or by a continous blurred stance on whether Altruism is sought promoted by the Theosophical Society in a Sectarian manner or not.
  Do not let the Sectarian and Cult opinion about the Theosophical Society continue in the eye of the public, the journalists and historians and average New Ager. Let the Truth be known.
  There is no Religion Higher than the Truth.

  All the above are of course merely my views.
  And I will gladly take them all back If they are an obstacle to the promotion of Altruism.

  Any comments?
  Or is business as usual just the central thing here?

  M. Sufilight

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