Can Theosophy change the world?

[Nabil Naser]

I believe that it can

The first thing that need to happen is for everyone to stop lecturing and start listening.

We all have a piece of the puzzle
Some through history
others through science
many share with scripture knowledge

Some just know it within their heart

How can Theosophy change the world?

L&P

[Jeff Zolkes]

Well, Lenny, you certainly make a great case! Most of what you say is true of him, but over time I learned to see him from another angle. Crowley was my first step delving into occultism, as is fairly common. His brilliance and knowledge of many ancient wisdom traditions were both his swansong, and the very tools he used to pull the wool over the eyes of those whose intellects just weren’t as spry as his own. As were his rebellious attitudes against puritanical values. This was certainly part of the appeal to me! (I was a young adult about your age in the eighties when punk rock was new and real, and I was part of that and quite the rebel myself). So I do understand all that is attractive about him. He also wrote some beautiful things, but his path eventually led to self-importance and decadence, and his actions only glorified the ego, instead of conquering it. To do this is the very antithesis of spirituality. As you probably know, the one thing that separates ‘white’ or positive magick from ‘black’ or negative magick is whether that ritual and intent is directed towards the benefit of the self, or towards affecting the will of another. While he preached Love Under Will, and outwardly encouraged that others learn to control their own minds for their own betterment, he also ended up degenerating into complete drug addiction. It wasn’t just hashish, opium, etc. He ended up a horrible heroin addict. It is the ego and preoccupation with the self that causes one to fall into these traps. He then became fairly deluded. For instance, he preached that all children should be witness to their parents’ sexual acts, as he believed this would give them a kind of freedom from sexual repression. Now that was pretty outrageous, but while intellectually, he often made good cases for even his most shocking ideas, he also completely ignored questions of morality later in life, and confused people into forgetting their hearts as well. He took no responsibility for the negative effects this path had on many people, and responsibility with occult powers should always be key. As you say, he preached moderation, but led others into complete degradation of self, whether it was his intention or not. His writings, to this day, still have the same effect on people – I know this because sadly, I’ve seen it on more than one occasion.

It did take me several years of study of the roots of higher wisdom traditions on their own terms, and not just from Crowley, before I think I gained a clearer picture of why he could not be a role model for myself.

The main thing is not to let the self-defeating aspects of intellect alone prevent you from attaining true spiritual aspiration and realization. In my humble opinion, that was what led him astray. I realize he was just a man, and not perfect, so I’m not really trying to knock him. But there is much to be learned not only from him, but also because of him!

There are sure to be lots of opinions from others on this topic, and probably a little truth in them all. But that’s about all I think I have to say on the subject. Thanks for letting me rant, lol. There’s no doubt he’s a fascinating character!

Peace, Lenny

[Nabil Naser]

I am interested in the framework that Ken Wilber uses to show unity of such diverse subject. I just hope that it is not another genetic analysis of our evolution. I will look it up.

Sir
You are now officially part of the Theosophical community. There are no membership requirement except participation in the search for truth.

[Nabil Naser]

It is obvious from this posting and the responses to it that Theosophy can't change the world soon.
Most people seem to view Theosophy thinly in terms of substance they can relate to. The subject matter is so wide, that it allows a person to escape it all together. Theosophy becomes a refuge, where one can believe that his or her thoughts and ideas have worth and meaning.

Theosophy is not going to change the world with that attitude. We need to be tactical, and use the words of the Secret Doctrine effectively. We need to keep in mind that it is a search for the truth.
Sharing what we discover is the first step in helping Theosophy form a world where all religions can unite in common principles that are scientifically sound. You need effort for that. And a nucleus or more of action.