Official Social Network of The Theosophical Society in America
The Spirit of this Theosophical Community
I think when we engage in an activity we should have in mind the purpose of it, so I want to share some thoughts about our Theosophical Community.
An online theosophical activity can have different aims. It can be a place to establish social contacts and foster a sense of community. It can be a space to introduce people to Theosophical literature, or to deepen the understanding of Theosophy. It can also be an arena to discuss controversial historical issues, or to examine the working of the Theosophical Society (TS), or to denounce things we think are not being done right, etc. Each activity will tend to attract and engage certain kinds of people and discourage others.
Personally speaking, I think our online community should be focused on the introduction to Theosophical teachings and deepening our understanding, leaving aside the discussion of controversial issues--current or historical--about the TS or theosophical leaders. Let me explain the reasons for this proposal.
The Theosophical Community is a visible, public face of the TS. If we aspire to engage new members and people interested in knowing what Theosophy is, giving predominance to controversial issues is surely not the way to show what Theosophy is.
If new people or members, with no experience in the TS, come to our community and see that controversial issues, denouncements, ill will, etc., occupy a considerable space in our discussions, what will they think about the TS? Let’s suppose you are interested in a philosophy you know nothing about, let us say, Buddhism. You encounter an online “Buddhist Community” and all you see is fellow Buddhists cutting each other’s throat in the name of their love for Buddhism and the sanga; what would you do? Would you be willing to join that sanga? Would you believe their “words of wisdom”?
Am I proposing to show a fake image to the public? Not at all! On the contrary, we are now showing a false image. In our daily theosophical life (the real one, not the online life) controversial issues are usually not a prominent part of our theosophical activity. We spend our time in the study of Theosophy and the attempt to practice it. The fact that our institution is right now going through a stormy time may cover up this reality, but this also shall pass and we will come back to a renewed time of unity, as has happened so many times in the past.
Besides, from an esoteric point of view, I’m sure these discussions become a source of dreadful elementals. We know that everything we think or feel produces a kind of artificial elemental. As one of the Mahatmas wrote to Mr. Hume in his first letter:
“We see a vast difference between the qualities of two equal amounts of energy expended by two men, of whom one, let us suppose, is on his way to his daily quiet work, and another on his way to denounce a fellow creature at the police station, while the men of science see none (...) And why? Because every thought of man upon being evolved passes into the inner world and becomes an active entity by associating itself—coalescing, we might term it—with an elemental; that is to say with one of the semi-intelligent forces of the kingdoms. It survives as an active intelligence, a creature of the mind's begetting, for a longer or shorter period proportionate with the original intensity of the cerebral action which generated it. Thus, a good thought is perpetuated as an active beneficent power; an evil one as a maleficent demon. And so man is continually peopling his current in space with a world of his own, crowded with the offsprings of his fancies, desires, impulses, and passions, a current which reacts upon any sensitive or and nervous organisation which comes in contact with it in proportion to its dynamic intensity. The Buddhist calls this his "Skandha," the Hindu gives it the name of "Karma"; the Adept evolves these shapes consciously, other men throw them off unconsciously.”
When we are discussing controversial issues, or people read those discussions, what are we thinking about? What do we feel? Do we feel love, compassion, inspiration, unity, etc.? What kind of feelings and thoughts are we replicating?
Usually, the online discussion of controversial issues becomes an arena to gossip, lie, and state half-truths, thus fostering conflict, ill-feelings, separateness, and finally deepening differences and keeping them alive. And worst of all, this is not even useful, because this kind of issue cannot be solved through an online discussion.
So, since there are already other online forums where people can discuss all these controversial issues, like the theos-talk, I propose we should redirect the activity of this community and exclude controversial and institutional issues. If people are interested they can join the already existent forums. I don’t think it is necessary to replicate that activity here. Or, as a less drastic alternative, we could start another online community specifically focused on institutional/historic issues (as Chris Richardson did with his blog) for those who feel necessary to have that space.
What do you all think?
An online theosophical activity can have different aims. It can be a place to establish social contacts and foster a sense of community. It can be a space to introduce people to Theosophical literature, or to deepen the understanding of Theosophy. It can also be an arena to discuss controversial historical issues, or to examine the working of the Theosophical Society (TS), or to denounce things we think are not being done right, etc. Each activity will tend to attract and engage certain kinds of people and discourage others.
Personally speaking, I think our online community should be focused on the introduction to Theosophical teachings and deepening our understanding, leaving aside the discussion of controversial issues--current or historical--about the TS or theosophical leaders. Let me explain the reasons for this proposal.
The Theosophical Community is a visible, public face of the TS. If we aspire to engage new members and people interested in knowing what Theosophy is, giving predominance to controversial issues is surely not the way to show what Theosophy is.
If new people or members, with no experience in the TS, come to our community and see that controversial issues, denouncements, ill will, etc., occupy a considerable space in our discussions, what will they think about the TS? Let’s suppose you are interested in a philosophy you know nothing about, let us say, Buddhism. You encounter an online “Buddhist Community” and all you see is fellow Buddhists cutting each other’s throat in the name of their love for Buddhism and the sanga; what would you do? Would you be willing to join that sanga? Would you believe their “words of wisdom”?
Am I proposing to show a fake image to the public? Not at all! On the contrary, we are now showing a false image. In our daily theosophical life (the real one, not the online life) controversial issues are usually not a prominent part of our theosophical activity. We spend our time in the study of Theosophy and the attempt to practice it. The fact that our institution is right now going through a stormy time may cover up this reality, but this also shall pass and we will come back to a renewed time of unity, as has happened so many times in the past.
Besides, from an esoteric point of view, I’m sure these discussions become a source of dreadful elementals. We know that everything we think or feel produces a kind of artificial elemental. As one of the Mahatmas wrote to Mr. Hume in his first letter:
“We see a vast difference between the qualities of two equal amounts of energy expended by two men, of whom one, let us suppose, is on his way to his daily quiet work, and another on his way to denounce a fellow creature at the police station, while the men of science see none (...) And why? Because every thought of man upon being evolved passes into the inner world and becomes an active entity by associating itself—coalescing, we might term it—with an elemental; that is to say with one of the semi-intelligent forces of the kingdoms. It survives as an active intelligence, a creature of the mind's begetting, for a longer or shorter period proportionate with the original intensity of the cerebral action which generated it. Thus, a good thought is perpetuated as an active beneficent power; an evil one as a maleficent demon. And so man is continually peopling his current in space with a world of his own, crowded with the offsprings of his fancies, desires, impulses, and passions, a current which reacts upon any sensitive or and nervous organisation which comes in contact with it in proportion to its dynamic intensity. The Buddhist calls this his "Skandha," the Hindu gives it the name of "Karma"; the Adept evolves these shapes consciously, other men throw them off unconsciously.”
When we are discussing controversial issues, or people read those discussions, what are we thinking about? What do we feel? Do we feel love, compassion, inspiration, unity, etc.? What kind of feelings and thoughts are we replicating?
Usually, the online discussion of controversial issues becomes an arena to gossip, lie, and state half-truths, thus fostering conflict, ill-feelings, separateness, and finally deepening differences and keeping them alive. And worst of all, this is not even useful, because this kind of issue cannot be solved through an online discussion.
So, since there are already other online forums where people can discuss all these controversial issues, like the theos-talk, I propose we should redirect the activity of this community and exclude controversial and institutional issues. If people are interested they can join the already existent forums. I don’t think it is necessary to replicate that activity here. Or, as a less drastic alternative, we could start another online community specifically focused on institutional/historic issues (as Chris Richardson did with his blog) for those who feel necessary to have that space.
What do you all think?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by William Vollrath on -
Well said Dan. Although I am now limiting my critical comments on the operational workings of TS, that silence does not change my views on the role of inner and outer Masters, nor the need for TS to facilitate, not limit, free and organic thought...
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Permalink Reply by Kerry James Goodhew on -
Sorry Dan, but you appear to be on a tangent that I don't think anybody is suggesting or advocating anything you have said here!
All of the words in the object are important! You can see it starts with ...
"To form a nucleus ... (being one of understanding and equality!)
This immediately gives those who are within the nucleus of this understanding and those without it. Most of the world however is carrying on business as usual (at the level of exceedingly intelligent chimpanzees ...human bombs, extinguishing species, doing the shopping in a giant SUV...) is without the understanding of universal family (brotherhood), that in injuring your sister or brother you injure yourself.
If theosophy is perceived as for a "select few" then that is only because it is a "select understanding" at this stage of planetary human evolvement.
Nobody here has suggested a "private closed off family", quite the opposite.
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Permalink Reply by Janeth on -
>"especially when some of the most damaging and irrational comments in these discussions come from people who are longtime members--as stingy, cagey, and just plain ignorant."<--- In the interest of new TC members and visitors...
Please be aware that comments as the one above, although issued by an employee of the Theosophical Society in America, do not, in any type of form, shape or manner reflect the mentality and/or high standards of the administrators at TSA National Center, "Olcott".
Please know, The National President of the Theosophical Society and its Board of Directors strive at all times, among other wonderful things, to practice the basics of Theosophy: Respect, love, tolerance and compassion toward all human beings regardless of their race, creed, sex, caste, or color, as indicated in the first and main "Object" of the Society.
To the administrators at "Olcott", there is no such thing as TS members being "stingy, cagey, and just plain ignorant." Please do not feel discourage by irrational and immature comments such as the one above. Regardless of your background, whether you think your English is good enough to express yourself, or not, please do not allow anyone make you feel intimidated by comments such as the ones mentioned in the reply above.
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Permalink Reply by William Vollrath on
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I believe that if you removed all the comments on this site by individuals who are not current or recent past members, few if any of the discussions, whould have substantive changes to their primary content! In other words, that policy would not keep controversy off the site. It would just be heavy handed monitoring of valuable discourse.
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Permalink Reply by Janeth on
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>"true universal Brotherhood"<---There is no such thing as what sample is best to exemplify universal Brotherhood!!
Brotherhood is something so simple to understand and practice for any and all human beings with a sound mind, soft heart and generous soul...So simple as not to willingly (just to satisfy one's personal lower/ignorant ego), or unwillingly, do any living creature harm. One should not do any harm to any living thing; for Theosophist this is a MUST!!
In other words, BROTHERHOOD is: To do everything in one's power to protect the well-being of any living thing, whether poor or rich, black or white, with academic degrees or ignorant, ill or sane...
Brotherhood is something so simple, yet for some it is so complicated..., or maybe I should say...,they make it so complicated for themselves...Another test for true spiritual seekers to transcend; as if human beings did not have enough challenges to transcend as it is!!
Basic Theosophical principles!!
I still do not understand why this is so difficult for individuals with college degrees and who knows what other kind of academic accreditation, to understand, accept and practice!!
Good Lord, please help true Theosophists out there who are genuly striving to do their best on behalf of "OTHERS"-the cornerstone of Theosophy (as I learned to say from listening to the NDE CD sold by TSA Publishing House).
Best to one and all!!☺
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Permalink Reply by Janeth on
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>"My point being that the suggestion to limit some discussion topics.."<---Now that you have explained yourself clearly, your comment makes sense, from your point of view, that is. Asking for clarification does not mean one takes offense.
The way you conveyed your comment implied exactly what I said. I will say the same thing to you, William, please count to ten before responding with hypothetical situations that can very easily lead people unfamiliar with this site, into getting the wrong impression.
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Permalink Reply by Kerry James Goodhew on
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Yes! Janeth,
another way of looking at it is the concept of "personal boundaries". Having them or not. I am a Pisces. I grew up thinking that everybody understood and wanted to operate by "fair play". From childhood I had great difficulty with events that were not fair and could not be put right. I was too much an open book right through to mid-30's until events REALLY gave me a lesson on the NEED for personal boundaries and taking responsiblity for SELF-PROTECTION. I got involved with people who meant evil toward me (evil = opposite to let live!). My desires, spirit and ambition were being killed by envy ridden malice. A career path destroyed. The effect on my psyche nearly killed me. I became very ill. How does a person respond under such dismantling? Is it a surprise to anybody that the victim's behaviour becomes odd and unnatural ...beat a dog and people are surprised and offended when one day it reacts savagely back? It took 10 years to come out of that for me to become "better" than before, to evolve out of it.
That was my lesson. If I haven't fully learnt from it by the rules of karma I guess I get to learn from the same scenario again. (heaven help me!)
This whole personal experience I feel can be analogised to the Society of Theosophy. Does it really want to have no boundaries? ...unquestioningly exposing itself bare to all entities? Does it really want/need to continue repeating the same harsh lesson, or is it overdue that it has learnt and grown up?
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Permalink Reply by Janeth on
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Thank you for sharing an important part of you with us, Kerry-☺, I admire your inner valor, will and determination to do the right thing!!☺
>"Does it really want to have no boundaries? ...unquestioningly exposing itself bare to all entities? Does it really want/need to continue repeating the same harsh lesson, or is it overdue that it has learnt and grown up?"<---It does have boundaries.
This is the reason most GC members, or TS members for that matter, won't even bother to register on TC, the official Theosophical social network, or any other site for that matter, let alone prticipate once few of them generously register on it. Who can blame them? This is exactly the reason non-profit organizations with lots more money and resources than our Society have are reluctant to authorize the set up of a social network as the one, we, for now, get to enjoy! Who can blame them?
I wouldn't be surprised should this Site be shut down should its privileges be abused. Unfortunately, apparently, arrogance and selfishness; self-righteousness and lack of respect toward others' shortcomings; lack of compassion and ingratitud toward the great job past TS leaders, as well as current ones have done, are so easity forgotten. All beause of an attitude of, it is my way or the highway; an attitude of I don't care as long as I get away with it!! What a pitty!!
Thank God TSA has true Theosophist leaders working hard and diligently to do the best they can on behalf of Theosophy, its vehicle, the TS and its members. God bless TSA National President, Mrs. Betty Bland, and ech and every TSA board director!!☺
TSA National President, with the loving support of the other board directors, supported the idea of setting up TC; she may as well shut it down should so-called TS members unable to control their lower/ignorant egos, even try to use it as a vehicle to spread pain and darkness, instead of LOVE, HARMONY and Light.
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Permalink Reply by Kerry James Goodhew on
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Are you saying that relatively not many people come here to TC?
That is a great shame. There are many excellent posts here in other threads!
I came here because I saw other NZers (Aotearoans) here!
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Permalink Reply by Janeth on
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>"Are you saying that relatively not many people come here to TC?"<---I said: "most GC members"-how many GC members do we have registered on TC? That is what I was referring to. Also, considering the several thousand members TS currently has, is the amount of TS members registered on TC large or small? It is well known among TS members this TS official Site exis. Why don't we have more members registering, and most importantly, participating? That's what I was referring to.
In addition, as my several welcoming comments on TC members from TS-NZ show -perhaps you may want to visit Alina Licia's TC-wall- I am very excited to see individuals joining TC. Seeing TS-NZ members registering on TC brings an extra joy..., I sense there is a special and wonderful energy on comments posted by TS-NZ members!!☺ I consider it an honor to have each and every TS-NZ member that we have on TC, Kerry, as well as any and all TC members!!☺ From each and everyone I learn..., I love it!!☺
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Permalink Reply by Anton Rozman on -
Dear friends,
There is in my view one another point in regard to this discussion. Dirty laundry is already being exposed through other forums on the net and it will most probably continue to be so. Therefore, tendency to avoid positive public discussion on these issues means that that negative approach will to great extend shape public opinion.
In regard to fraternal relationships Annie Besant in “A Study in Consciousness” wrote that: “The normal relations … between brothers and sisters, afford us the field for studying the manifestations of love between equals. We see love showing itself as mutual tenderness and mutual trustfulness, as consideration, respect, and desire to please, as quick insight into and endeavor to fulfill the wishes of the other, as magnanimity, forbearance.” It is not easy at all to achieve such fraternal relations of love in a family/society - this is very complex process in which, as I see it, much theosophical and secular knowledge has to be employed.
Warmest regards,
Anton
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Permalink Reply by William Vollrath on
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Krishnamurti, "You may remember the story of how the devil and a friend of his were walking down the street, when they saw ahead of them a man stoop down and pick up something from the ground, look at it, and put it away in his pocket. The friend said to the devil, 'What did that man pick up?' 'He picked up a piece of the truth,' said the devil. 'That is a very bad business for you, then,' said his friend. 'Oh, not at all,' the devil replied, 'I am going to help him organize it.'
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