THE TS IN CRISIS: NEW PHENOMENON OR AN ONGOING STATE? - Theosophy.Net2024-03-29T08:08:58Zhttps://theosophy.net/forum/topics/the-ts-in-crisis-new?commentId=3055387%3AComment%3A32422&feed=yes&xn_auth=noAt least in my experience, no…tag:theosophy.net,2010-10-21:3055387:Comment:324222010-10-21T04:19:16.011ZM K Ramadosshttps://theosophy.net/profile/MKR
At least in my experience, no one has either asked me what I believe or told me what I should believe and the only requirement is to subscribe to the three objects, especially the first object. This is the most significant difference from all organized religions and 'spiritual' groups.<br />
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Since the early days, many Sections have accumulated money and very valuable property and this gives power to those who are in charge of them. On the organizational side, trouble will start when you are seen as…
At least in my experience, no one has either asked me what I believe or told me what I should believe and the only requirement is to subscribe to the three objects, especially the first object. This is the most significant difference from all organized religions and 'spiritual' groups.<br />
<br />
Since the early days, many Sections have accumulated money and very valuable property and this gives power to those who are in charge of them. On the organizational side, trouble will start when you are seen as a danger to status quo on the money side, which is very understandable. Once elected, no one wants to be questioned about transparency. Much of the problems one sees is the result of actions in contravention of the objects even though 'actors' may be blinded by their own self confidence based on their erudition about the theosophical classics. This is probably exactly what…tag:theosophy.net,2010-10-21:3055387:Comment:324102010-10-21T01:02:38.795ZJ. Spencer Richhttps://theosophy.net/profile/JSpencerRich
This is probably exactly what happened to Christianity after about 100 years.
This is probably exactly what happened to Christianity after about 100 years. One important factor that was…tag:theosophy.net,2010-10-20:3055387:Comment:323972010-10-20T04:15:33.979ZM K Ramadosshttps://theosophy.net/profile/MKR
One important factor that was not present in the old days is Internet. At least Internet allows us to freely and quickly discuss and exchange ideas and I hope some of them will yield results.
One important factor that was not present in the old days is Internet. At least Internet allows us to freely and quickly discuss and exchange ideas and I hope some of them will yield results. Yes, things are set into moti…tag:theosophy.net,2010-10-20:3055387:Comment:323942010-10-20T03:22:37.766ZMartin Euserhttps://theosophy.net/profile/MartinEuser
Yes, things are set into motion now. The new paradigm embraces *variety* which is requisite for any organization to remain viable. Right now, I'm immersed in Stafford Beer's excellent work "The heart of enterprise" which develops the notion of viability from basic principles. Variety (a measure of complexity) is at the core of Beer's model. Excellent stuff, even required reading IMO.<br></br>
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As to integrating ideas and open source, I would like to add that I'm quite aware of the…
Yes, things are set into motion now. The new paradigm embraces *variety* which is requisite for any organization to remain viable. Right now, I'm immersed in Stafford Beer's excellent work "The heart of enterprise" which develops the notion of viability from basic principles. Variety (a measure of complexity) is at the core of Beer's model. Excellent stuff, even required reading IMO.<br/>
<br/>
As to integrating ideas and open source, I would like to add that I'm quite aware of the necessity/need of balancing identity of a movement (among which ideas/teachings play an important role) with the necessity of allowing fresh insights into the corpus of existing ideas. Some modifications of insight may be necessary, and many additions to the corpus are possible and needed. I simply work with a set of axiomas, derived from "the seven jewels of wisdom", formulated twice (old and modern framings) in my ebook and study how these are reflected into the natural world. Quite illuminating to see how the principles of old work out in body, mind and spirit. The journey has just begun, though. There is so much to research, so much to reflect on.. Good point. It seems that thi…tag:theosophy.net,2010-10-19:3055387:Comment:323912010-10-19T23:46:14.831ZMartin Euserhttps://theosophy.net/profile/MartinEuser
Good point. It seems that this forum is moving in a circle.<br />
See for example the thread <a href="http://www.theosophy.net/forum/topics/our-value-proposition">Our value proposition.</a> This discussion has not really come to a conclusion, although some points worthy of consideration have emerged:<br />
<br />
. the need for imagination/vision<br />
. role of open source philosophies (criteria for usefulness?)<br />
. building synergies<br />
. need for developing an integrative mindset ("the integrative philosopher")<br />
<br />
and…
Good point. It seems that this forum is moving in a circle.<br />
See for example the thread <a href="http://www.theosophy.net/forum/topics/our-value-proposition">Our value proposition.</a> This discussion has not really come to a conclusion, although some points worthy of consideration have emerged:<br />
<br />
. the need for imagination/vision<br />
. role of open source philosophies (criteria for usefulness?)<br />
. building synergies<br />
. need for developing an integrative mindset ("the integrative philosopher")<br />
<br />
and perhaps other points that came up during that and other threads.<br />
I have indicated my vision for many years now and hope to see more contributions in this respect of other theosophers. I seem to recall this same th…tag:theosophy.net,2010-10-19:3055387:Comment:323862010-10-19T21:50:08.351ZArthur E Gregoryhttps://theosophy.net/profile/ArthurEGregory
I seem to recall this same thread or one very much like it about a year ago on the TS Forum.. What was gained from that one and what can be of use in this one..?
I seem to recall this same thread or one very much like it about a year ago on the TS Forum.. What was gained from that one and what can be of use in this one..? Friends,
There is a new arti…tag:theosophy.net,2010-10-19:3055387:Comment:323792010-10-19T17:53:53.566ZJoaquim Soareshttps://theosophy.net/profile/JoaquimSoares
Friends,<br/>
<br/>
There is a new article online about the current crisis in the Adyar society. I think some of you may find interesting:<br/>
<br/>
<b><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.esoteric-philosophy.com/2010/10/future-of-adyar-society_18.html" target="_blank">"The Future of Adyar Society<br/>
- The Self-Destructive Crisis of 2007-2010 Might Open Room for a True Renewal...</a></b>
Friends,<br/>
<br/>
There is a new article online about the current crisis in the Adyar society. I think some of you may find interesting:<br/>
<br/>
<b><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.esoteric-philosophy.com/2010/10/future-of-adyar-society_18.html" target="_blank">"The Future of Adyar Society<br/>
- The Self-Destructive Crisis of 2007-2010 Might Open Room for a True Renewal...</a></b> Rather than focussing on the…tag:theosophy.net,2010-10-18:3055387:Comment:323282010-10-18T16:52:44.011ZM K Ramadosshttps://theosophy.net/profile/MKR
<i><b>Rather than focussing on the shortcomings of others, thereby reacting to them, we need to place them in the position of reacting to us.</b></i><br />
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Rightly said.<br />
<br />
While organizations take their membership for granted once leaders get into a position of power, and especially in the TS, the leaders and their organizational followers avoid participating in Internet forums, for years everyone knows these forums are closely monitored and leadership is either sensitive or concerned about what is…
<i><b>Rather than focussing on the shortcomings of others, thereby reacting to them, we need to place them in the position of reacting to us.</b></i><br />
<br />
Rightly said.<br />
<br />
While organizations take their membership for granted once leaders get into a position of power, and especially in the TS, the leaders and their organizational followers avoid participating in Internet forums, for years everyone knows these forums are closely monitored and leadership is either sensitive or concerned about what is going on here. They all know that no one can get rid of these forums and they have to live with it.<br />
<br />
It is the lack of active participation by theosophists in issues of interest that has made every leader complacent and many to assume that they have all the wisdom needed to move forward.<br />
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More active participation of everyone interested in theosophy is bound to develop into a groundswell to make changes and this groundswell can topple the established order for the good. When time came, the leadership in Soviet Union changed in ways unimagined by anyone. Let us all hope such a change takes place in the theosophy world as well and sooner the better.<br />
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Status quo is not acceptable. Anand,
That is my point too…tag:theosophy.net,2010-10-18:3055387:Comment:323172010-10-18T06:02:10.487ZPreethi Muthiahhttps://theosophy.net/profile/PreethiMuthiah
Anand,<br />
<br />
That is my point too exactly, as of today. I do realize that things need to move forward, and since writing the article above, I have grown to the point of realizing that the way forward lies in leaving the hierarchical order behind. Hierarchies are a thing of the past; equality is the current need, the urgent need. Thanks for sharing your views here, and I am sorry you have not joined the TS. One can learn much from and through it, but one must learn also to let go when one has…
Anand,<br />
<br />
That is my point too exactly, as of today. I do realize that things need to move forward, and since writing the article above, I have grown to the point of realizing that the way forward lies in leaving the hierarchical order behind. Hierarchies are a thing of the past; equality is the current need, the urgent need. Thanks for sharing your views here, and I am sorry you have not joined the TS. One can learn much from and through it, but one must learn also to let go when one has outgrown it; much as one no longer wears clothes one used to wear as a little infant into one's adulthood.<br />
<br />
I think part of the problem lies with the fact that while we so readily give up our most physical clothes, we are so loathe to let go of our inner ones...the TS provides us with a way to do that, to find the maturity to let go of the crutches once one has attained the strength of one's feet... Amazing description of the st…tag:theosophy.net,2010-10-14:3055387:Comment:321812010-10-14T14:20:19.175ZCapt. Anand Kumarhttps://theosophy.net/profile/CaptAnandKumar
Amazing description of the state of affairs in the TS, <b>Preethi</b>. I am glad now that I politely declined the few invitations that came my way to join the TS.<br />
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However, I am unable to find any organization that has stayed true to its objects after the founders have departed. The older it gets, the murkier its affairs become. TS proves to be no exception, by your account. Perhaps this is the law. The TS itself may have entered its Kali-Yuga.<br />
<br />
Organizations with a corporate style hierarchy…
Amazing description of the state of affairs in the TS, <b>Preethi</b>. I am glad now that I politely declined the few invitations that came my way to join the TS.<br />
<br />
However, I am unable to find any organization that has stayed true to its objects after the founders have departed. The older it gets, the murkier its affairs become. TS proves to be no exception, by your account. Perhaps this is the law. The TS itself may have entered its Kali-Yuga.<br />
<br />
Organizations with a corporate style hierarchy were a necessity when the tools of communication were in their most primitive form. Today, with World WIde Web, connecting individuals and efforts on an unprecedented scale and perhaps showing the way for direct connectivity of consciousness of humanity in future, the role of such organizations is becoming increasingly irrelevant. As, <b>Joe</b> has rightly pointed out through his efforts to find true meaning of the words in the Stanzas of Dzyan, I believe, more and more serious theosophists will find fulfillment through collaborative efforts utilizing modern tools of communication, outside of the TS.<br />
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One may look forward to explore and hasten this change (evolution), rather than witness creative energies being spent in replacing one hierarchy with another.