Isn’t it time to
revive the Theosophical Society, bring it on par with the challenges of today’s
world?
As a member
of the Dutch Theosophical Society, but also as a spiritual seeker who has
interviewed hundreds of spiritual and religious teachers (see www.mindlift.tv) I notice that the format of
the message of the TS is somewhat outdated. The truth and essence of the
message, the principles and the objectives are clear, but the translation in 21st
century language and media format needs an update. Internet, videosites like
myspace, DVD’s, but more important linking and referencing the body of
Theosophical works to relevant material elsewhere. Some people like Katinka
Hesselink have already done great work in setting up a body of comparative
theosophy, but roaming through the internet the material is mostly isolated,
outdated, too dense for the fast paced seekers of our era.
Too much
emphasis not on the principles and core teachings, but on the quarrels, fights
and internal schisms of the society and her offspring. The question, whether
Blavatsky and the Mahatma letters were genuine is still discussed in a factual
way, not placed in the context of those days.
Today we
are in fact quite familiar with the idea of communications with other levels or
dimensions, with revelations and mediums all over the place. Bookshelves,
magazines and TV-shows are now full with “channelled” revelations, from “a
Course in Miracles” to UFO abductions, as they were with saint-histories and
miracle stories in the previous, more Christian era. Blavatsky obviously was an
exceptionally gifted person, very intelligent and charismatic, who possessed
certain gifts and talents on a level not explainable by rational Cartesian
thinking. She had contact with another level of consciousness, helping her to
formulate and communicate deep insights in the nature of man, mind and psyche.
In her time communication with what we now would call higher energy levels en
entities was more anthropomorphic, but what matters is what she did communicate
and whether that resonates with our own perceptions and ideas. That resonance
is still there, but obscured by this body of historic details, personal interests
and pecking order trivia that pervade the theosophical literature. The
discussions and even schisms concerning spiritism, ritualism were relevant in
those days, today psychology, science and even modern physics accept that there
is more than meets the eye and that belief systems shape reality or at least
our perception of reality. We can go back to the early days, but even there we
see divergence of views, as the 1924 work of Margaret Thomas about
neo-theosophy indicates.
The TS
needs to be out there now, with a message that is based on, not obscured by her
history and heritage and translated into modern language, using modern media,
claiming appropriate domain names, channels and providing the forums, the
cyberspace meeting places, curricula and support for not only her members, but
the large numbers of sincere seekers outside. Theosophy is not a sect, a
church, a denomination, but aspires to be the umbrella, the common ground of
the true seeker. It does not claim the ultimate truth, and never should, but
helps and support those on the path toward that truth. In that respect, the
identity of the T.S, sometimes regarded as her treasure, should be as empty as
possible, not more than the three objectives and the common ground of oneness
in all. If we are a map to the moon, we are not the moon. T.S. can take pride
in pointing at the spiritual sun, but should not identify itself with its radiance and superior position. We
are of service, not the service. In that respect, the objective of “forming a
nucleus”of brotherhood is different from “forming a brotherhood” and not only
because we are modest, but because the idea of a nucleus is more like that of
group that act a catalyst, as a core inspiring growth. Also our stated
objective is not to study, but “to encourage the study” and that is clearly an active aimed at the ‘others”
and if our members join in that study, great.
Today, even
after more than a century of socalled progress, the world is not in a better
state spiritually and the T.S. has the tools, in her literature, her resources
and her charter, to once more help the seekers of the world to focus, study,
unite and investigate. However, in a way they would understand, a language,
media suitable for the 21st century. Where are the modern, clear,
concise explanations, the answers by the present-day leaders to present day
questions and issues, like global warming, sustainable energy, genetic
manipulation, war on terror, war on Islam, the digital divide, things that
matter and where spiritual guidance or at least commentary is needed.
Furthermore
the limited interpretation of the word “study”, as referring to literature,
teaching and intellectual discourse needs to be expanded, including more
experiental ways of study. Yoga and meditation have always been part of the TS
curriculum, but there are many more ways to experience and thus “study” the
relationship of mind-body-soul.
Consciousness
leads to choices, action, being in the world and of the world.
The belief that enlightenment or the understanding of deeper truth can only be
achieved by literature study in the limited sense most TS members see it,
doesn’t resonate with todays youth. And it has no basis in the old wisdom
either, the interpretation of the Upanishadic core message “Ya Evam Veda” as
“knowledge is power” is a very western and linear time translation. It really
means that knowledge of correspondences/wisdom and (magical) power are on equal
footing, there is no causal relationship, it works both ways. Initiation, the
immediate transfer of understanding, is a good example. Yes, one has to be ready,
but that concerns a state of openness, not a lot of facts. Books and teaching
should result in a way of living the truth, not in acquiring more books, more
knowledge, more facts and details.
The Society's original objectives by
Blavatsky, Judge and Olcott
have already been updated to:
Now this isn’t
perfect, but a step. A similar translation or update is needed for other pieces
of the TS heritage. Not only by condensing the message, but by cleaning up the
language, eliminating references to outdated works and notions and seeking new
connections and links to present-day scientists, philosophers, writers and
spiritual leaders. John
Algeo in his commentary on Blavatsky’s Key to Theosophy has done good work in
that direction. But there is a lot of TS literature.
Even as the TS is non-theistic, it so closely follows teachings from more theistic traditions like Hindu or Buddhist that the use of words as divine, inspired or even God communicates its message more clearly.
The mission statement of the Theosophical
Society in
· The TS in A has a vision of wholeness that inspires a fellowship united in study, meditation, and service.
· encourages open-minded inquiry into world religions, philosophy, science, and the arts in order to understand the wisdom of the ages, respect the unity of all life, and help people explore spiritual self-transformation.
· holds that our every action, feeling, and thought affects all other beings and that each of us is capable of and responsible for contributing to the benefit of the whole.
.I note that in this American way of
interpretation, not only does the Society have a vision of union with one
another, and a mission of exploration, but also an ethic of putting these high
ideals into action. This is one of the basic issues the TS is facing, are
we primarily focusing on the inner “work”of the members, their development and
growth or are we there to work in the external world. The objectives could be
interpreted both ways, but I tend to say that we have turned inwardly too much
lately, time to look and act outside. There are numerous organizations
concerned with the inner growth, and many members of the T.S. have found
shelter in this respect with the Rosicrusian, the Free Catholic Church, the
Masons etc., and within the T.S. in the Esoteric School, and it is no doubt
true that changing the world start with oneself. However, we have hands and
minds and hearts to share, a great history and a clear charter to sail!
If
theosophy wants to lay claim to the perennial wisdom, the root understanding
and the"body of truth" that forms the basis of all religions, it has
to communicate with those religions and not only with the established churches
and likeminded esoteric movements like Freemasons and Rosicrucians, but also with
the Pagans, Druids, Taoists, Muslims, Sufi’s, Craft and so on, there is a host
of spiritual organisations who have never really heard of the T.S..
In
what can be described as “new age movement” millions are involved in all kinds
of activities, studies, workshops, experiences with no other purpose or goals
than those so aptly described by the objectives of the TS. But they don’t know
theosophy, there is no computer game, popular website, interactive portal, Harry
Potter like literature or even a radio or television channel that disseminates
what the TS stands for.
Naturally,
one could object, as an esoteric society we don’t want everybody to partake in
our activities, the true seeker will come, overcome the obstacles, find the
hidden wisdom! Alas, our libraries are empty, our activities scarce, the agendas
of the international centers empty, our membership aging, our resources dwindling,
conservation has become the motto, instead of expansion!
Theosophy
as a practical and influential voice concerning spiritual matters is slowly dying,
but isn’t one of the basic beliefs that our souls are immortal, so why let the
TV die? Blavatsky c.s did acknowledge that they were standing on the shoulders
of generations of seekers, going back through the ages with a lineage to Plato,
Gautama etc. So should this end? Has the TS reached its old age and what rests
is to die and give up? Or are we just in one of those ebb-tides and ready for
another upswing. It happened before, I quote Margaret Thomas (1924) “The Theosophical Society is dead. But there are many Theosophists
in it who are yet alive. Not knowing the history of the years since
1893-94 that led to its downfall, and not realising the wide divergence between
Theosophy and the present-day versions, they may go the way of the Society
unless something be done to prevent it.” And we are still here!! And we have a
charter, a mission, for which I quote HPB:
"...it is the esoteric teachings, and the initiates of the Future, whosemission it is, and will be, to redeem and ennoble once more theprimitive conceptions so sadly profaned by its crude and grossapplication to exoteric dogmas and personations by theological andecclesiastical religionists. The silent worship of abstract or'noumenal' Nature, the only divine manifestation, is the one ennoblingreligion of Humanity." [ SD I 381 fn )
So
the work has not finished, in fact the mission continues and is, in the grossly
material world, even more needed. Not as a negative view on the situation, the work of many kept our
society on her feet and not everything needs to come to the surface, but
sensing a readiness to move forward, I personally think we can revive,
modernize, update and adapt our thinking, turn that into new communications and
new fire.
We
need a New Theosophy! Luc
Sala sala@dealerinfo.nl