Theosophy and sustainability

[Richmond Bell]

Is anyone interested in discussing the relationship between the philosphical ideals of the Theosophical Society and how they relate to the deep ecology, sustainability, and green communities movements? Some have written that we are moving from the Industrial Age to the Ecological Age. In my opinion, this can't happen without a change in human consciousness. I personally believe that the Society could be a major force in changing the consciousness of every human on the planet. Perhaps, then, more equitable community structures will be designed which bond humans together on a luminous path to an ascended life, one that respects all sentient life on the planet. I've enclosed a paper I wrote for group I co-lead on The Great Turning, a label that also explains what is happening to the human race at this time.

[Nabil Naser]

Hello Mr. Bell

you write
"I personally believe that the Society could be a major force in changing the consciousness of every human on the planet."

Unfortunately, the Theosophical community does not appreciate the potential they have. You won't find grand dreams here, because all people choose to lead all the time. They all think that they have learned enough "and perhaps experienced and suffered enough of life" that there is little more to learn.
All want to teach and to lead.

Do you see our consciousness changing soon?

The only way this will happen is when we accept our ignorance and arrogance. Fat chance in that.

[Richmond Bell]

The human race is on the cusp of survivability at this moment. There is some retrenchment expected from those who want to hang on to their power for a little while longer. You've heard the phrase "while Rome burns Nero fiddles". On the other hand, there are those who are humble enough to realize that we are a part of the web of life and no more than one strand in that web. What will be the outcome of The Great Turning? I don't know, but we have a choice and the Society can be a leader in making that choice clear. Consciousness is changing in some, but even in those where it hasn't, there is the sense that something is in the air which they can't deny. Change is inevitable. I'm optimistic that human consciousness will change too. Mine has changed and I'm looking to connect with others who will ride the wave with me. I hope you are one of those. Thank you for your comments.

[Nabil Naser]

Hey, if I didn't believe in theosophy and its potential, I wouldn't be writing you now. I could be as easily surfing elsewhere on the net.
My goal is to open people's eyes to the wonderful ideas that theosophy offers.
This is not an easy task, and hardly a thankful one.

Theosophy teaches the search for the truth. Some here think it is the truth.
How or why they think that way is beyond me.

Until many begin to see the reality of what theosophy is all about, it will remain a footnote in history.
My goal is to make sure that this does not happen.

[christinaleestemaker]

In our country we see consciousness changing.Not only through theosophical influenze but mostly through more insight in our differences in religions , while behind a common sense.

Only words are to short.Interpretation is too complicated, while there is a simple point, we all know truth. Only looking outside for that truth, while truth IS INSIDE US. We all have the same soul coming from the same monad but have had different experiences, what make our lives different.

[michaelcarlo]

These self proclaimed saviors of Humanity. We've all ready gone down this road and we know where it leads. Kool-Aid anyone?

[Richmond Bell]

I'm not in the category of which you speak. Maybe the coporations that foist sweet drinks like Kool-Aid on our obese children are. I don't expect everyone to believe what I have written about the sustainability of humanity. There are bound to be doubters, but look around you, in your local community and see, look without judgement and understand what is, like Krishnamurti says, okay? If you still don't see what's happening, perhaps there isn't anything happening and that's okay,too. I respect your opinion, too, and understand the tragedy of Jonestown as an example of what can happen when one person decides to control the freedom of others.

[jeff soule]

Right, anyone who dares challenge your orthodoxy is automatically Jim Jones. I will have none of it, Michael. Please stick to our discussion guidelines.

[Lanoo_Harve]

As theosophists we are encouraged to view ourselves as part of the cosmos, connected not merely to our fellow humans, but to everything in the universe. It follows that we should treat everyone and everything with respect and compassion.

Unfortunately, western society is living beyond its means. Our lifestyles are unsustainable. As individuals we consume more than our fair share of the planet’s resources. Our greed causes famine for the poorer sections of society and is beginning to result in climate change that could displace and distress millions of people. Our over-consumption results in increased pollution, showing disrespect to the planet, and by increasing the suffering of others we are showing a distinct lack of compassion.

As theosophists we are free to act as individuals according to our conscience, but sadly, I have not seen much evidence that the Theosophical Society concerns itself with such matters. Does the TS have a duty of care to humanity?

[michaelcarlo]

Your comments imply your concern more for the Planet than the Humanity living upon it or those living in Western Nations in any event. Your unfortunate arrival of said postulate invokes wrong conclusions I believe regarding your speculations concerning the viability of a western lifestyle in light of the newly released data or should I say non-data concerning Global Warming. As a Theosophist I chose to care for Humanity and share at my discretion the resources of the Planet that I or any other individual through hard work and mental discipline has accumulated. We do not require self appointed social referee's to distribute the wealth in "guilt tripped" fashion, (our success comes at the expense of anothers failure), find a real job. We in the West are the most charitable, generous people so far. Lets not punish success by instituting liberal political correctness (redistribution) and reward failure. For what little civilization we do have will surely come crashing down like a house made of cards.

[Lanoo_Harve]

MichaelCarlo seems to think that I care more for the planet than for humanity, but that is not the case. Whatever we humans do, the planet will survive. Neither am I suggesting a re-distribution of wealth. Equality would only last about twenty minutes before careless and weak people started losing their wealth and clever and strong people started accumulating again. All I am advocating is that we apply theosophical principles to our daily lives, that we respect and care for all creatures and all things, that we use our wealth wisely. I would argue that to do otherwise is un-theosophical.

[Richmond Bell]

I believe there is some validity to the point that "self-sppointed social referees to distribute the wealth" would not improve civilization. In fact, it would probably result in the establishment of a new power elite. A change in consciousness means that each person is responsible for the whole of life, but force is not needed to produce this change, only awareness. Awareness is the key, awareness of all that is. I am looking in my own local area and this is what I see. There is an invasive species called the Asian carp that was brought here from abroad by shipping and will soon devastate the fish in the Great Lakes. There is pervasive alga that covers the ponds in the area because of nitrogen run-off from fertilizers. There are so many geese in the neighborhood that one has to dodge the feces on the sidewalks. What do these observations have in common? These problems were created by man. They are a sign that man's relationship with the web of life is in serious disharmony. Awareness is to me a theosophical given. If we are aware of what is, as Krishnamurti would say, then we can begin to understand the nature of consciousness. If we understand the nature of consciousness, we can begin to take our rightful place in the community of life.

[Svaha]

Ah, a breath of fresh air! Your words are a comforting reminder that the Great Turning is upon us! It is with great heartfelt appreciation that I write this comment, for it is of great concern to me- the manner in which our collective humanity has contributed to degradation and entropy. Indeed, the fabric of our web of life is pulled taught and ready to unravel if we do not consciously weave a new connection to that which supports the safety net of the symbiotic relationship of all life on this planet. This reality of course, necessitates a new evolution within as humanities' collective survival depends upon this great awakening to ensure the natural harmonic is recapitulated. This is why I have come to exist here in human form and why I contribute now, to the Theosophical Society. I started Terra.ism (terraism.net) for this very reason as I wanted the love based paradigm to overrule the fear based "terrorism" which has insidiously crept into the media vernacular. Terra- ists Unite! ;-)

On a more serious note, it is absolutely the interest of the Theosophist to be in concert with the will of our Host. Conscious interaction with the Great One whom we move through and have our being is important in the here and now, for we are called at this time to become Co-creators of this manifest domain. This calling asks for those with wisdom to take the torch of truth, of love, and of light to lead the way for those who remain lost in the darkness of separation, ignorance, and stagnation. Let our dominion embody egalitarianism with benevolence toward ALL. When this movement began, it was the call toward unity through each respective faith based tradition. To bridge the East with the West. It is not only for our human family to evolve to see each human being and religion as an honored part of the whole, nor is it to merely to embrace the spiritual truths in relation to the Great Brotherhood, for we must also see all sentient life in its manifest forms as divine entities that deserve and require our reverence, honor, and care. This great new cycle moving forward is an auspicious one. I join you in your calling and bless your group in leading future generations toward the destiny of this sacred planet.

*bows*

स्वाहा