RE: Theosophy Reborn
Hi EaW,
Jesus 'organised' a body of twelve disciples around himself, and the Buddha had his sangha of those who learned from him in order to help others. I reckon the Buddha and Jesus knew what they were doing? Unless those who seek to attain spiritual goals pointedly and deliberately go out of their way to avoid each other [&:] then they tend to gravitate toward meeting each other and knowing each other.
'Organisation' is an off-putting word for some. (For me it might conjure up images of a workplace for 9-to5!) Spiritually, we can think of it more as a body of friends, or a gathering of people dedicated to a similar and humanitarian goal. I work somewhat in the field of charities (called in the US non-profit-making organisations). If they were not organised no food or assistance would reach those in desperate need of food, or shelter from a tsunami, etc. Solitary people are virtually helpless to achieve many goals.
Theosophy, historically, was formed by M and KH. It was the first the world ever heard of them publicly. So one either trusts they know what they are doing, or not. But your points are well-taken on how 'organisations' can go wrong. However a good spiritual organisation allows for total individuality to the extent that that aids one's development, whilst at the same time providing any framework that can assist the person in ways the individual wouldn't be able to do as well or as swiftly alone.
But whether there's a need of organisation for spiritual work is, mind you, another subject and thread, seems to me. 😉
Venetian
RE: Theosophy Reborn
Thankyou Amber, it's very kind of you. Have a lovely day (well, what's left of it!)
AQ
RE: Theosophy Reborn
HMMMmmm, it seems, in my absence that this discussion has suddenly got going and is now well lit. I thank you all for your additions.
It came to me, when – on reflecting the way some had taken my original posting – and others had taken it a different way… that there are some folk that will read what I write – and respond to what they feel, and there others that will read and respond to the questions I asked. Perhaps the former (no offence intended) folk did not notice the questions… I welcome all response, but I would have preferred responses to the core issue of the discussion I had begun.
AQ suggested that I was simply thinking aloud… you are quite correct – it is a habit of mine and tends to colour my posts, I would further quote your words:
To offer advice, when not requested, is - in my view - a form of imposition. Those who ask for advice are, perhaps, ready to receive, feel in their hearts if it is the correct advice for them and then accept or reject it. Those who have advice foisted on them may be affronted and withdraw. That would be a shame.
I echo these sentiments.
I am indebted to Venetian for highlighting the Theosophical history with the Masters and for his illuminating perspective on their reality.
EAW – your words on Organisations:
Those who find the relationship they seek will do so individually. It may happen within an organisation but not because of the organisation. When guidelines are set down, expectations of uniformity are enforced, group thinking maintained, and direction imposed, the possibility of authenticity is directly affected. Otherwise each and every follower in each and every organisation would be successful in establishing the same degree of communion, and ultimately there would be no need for differing organisations. Those who seek for truth will find themselves isolated from common thinking and will discover their own way to breech the distance.
I echo your thoughts here too.
Has anyone read the five volume series by Baird T. Spalding about meetings with the Masters? “Life and Teachings of the Masters of the Far East”… If so – did they feel he was actually writing from experience or vivid (albeit) informed imagination?
Sol.
RE: Theosophy Reborn
ORIGINAL: AngelQuartz
And, my feeling is that their hearts are as big as a bucket (well, two buckets) but they are men! (I'm laughing now).
😀 I think it might also be that quite a few men do spend a lot of time in their hearts, but are less likely to write about it?
RE: Theosophy Reborn
Ah yes Venetian, although the sentence which followed was....
"They may well spend much time in their heart centres, although the pull of the left brain and it's comfortable seat may be another place they can often be found too!!(???)"
I was laughing because we are all really the same - just have different approaches. Whenever I make a tongue in cheek comment such as "Well, they are men", I am reminded that most of the present female gender may have also been of the male gender in previous lives, at one time or another, and therefore to say anything, which may be construed as 'they're from a different planet' makes me laugh. It's a pot calling the kettle black type of situation and, as I said, very tongue in cheek for me.
Isn't it true that human beings have been taught not to show emotion? You know the sort of thing, such as when an adult says to a child "There, there, don't cry"!!! It is just this type of attitude which has given so many the wrong signals and they now have difficulty showing their emotions at all - worse, they may believe it to be wrong. Boys have been, and still are, told "boys don't cry"!! Therefore, in my experience, most find it harder to show their true feelings. I have heard many men say "I never wear my heart on my sleeve" or, conversely, "I'm afraid I wear my heart on my sleeve" so they are either sure they are doing the right thing by keeping their feelings to themselves, or they feel they are wrong to show their true feelings, but they just can't help it. So many years - even lifetimes - of conditioning the imperfect human race to conform to standards set by others of the imperfect human race. Luckily that is all very much in the past for many and a big shift seems to be taking place and both men and women are now listening to their heart instead of their head, even if they don't broadcast it.
So, you see, Venetian, I wholeheartedly agree with you - and I've just gone the long way round to tell you that!! By the way, who is that gorgeous fella in the picture?
AQ