Original Theosophy & Alternative Spirituality 5/6

12-part, 6 short article series on similarities and differences between Blavatskyan theosophy & the alternative spirituality/occulture/new age movement. Informal essay, based on personal observations and experiences.

9- Freedom and Relativism

One of the nice things about the alternative spirituality scene is the great freedom and tolerance that exists. There’s a wide latitude of beliefs that can gain acceptance, very non-judgmental. 'Hey, cool mix of Celtic religion, Nietzsche, Egyptian Yoga, and Krishnamurti - if that's what works for you, then good on you'. You could call it very relativistic.

 

With original Theosophy, the importance of freedom and tolerance is also there, one is free to adhere to one's own beliefs. Added to that, there is a more critical, analytical aspect. I would say that there is a certain space for discussion and debate about certain theories and philosophies that one brings forth. For example, if there are inconsistencies in one's eclecticism, or contradictions between different ideas one has, or incorrect information is being put forward, then a certain space for respectful, productive, non-violent debate can be facilitated. 

 

Moreover, the comparative study of spiritual traditions did not start from scratch. Blavatsky compassionately and generously offered about 3,000 pages of research into traditional and modern wisdom as a solid base on which to build one's world view and pursue further research, although it is not made obligatory to study, but gently encouraged... If one's eclectic, comparative research is solid, methodical, and well-conceived, then it has a better chance of being considered...

 

10- Individual and collective

My understanding of the alternative spirituality movement as a collectivity is that it's informal, but a social network exists. People meet at various events, and a lot of people attend the same events, so they get to know each other. Maybe they connect on the internet. Maybe people work at some alternative health shop and socialize. There are local new age organizations where people meet, etc. I think that there is a surprisingly consistent culture that exists among them. People seem to share the same values can discuss common notions fairly easily. And it is quite substantial, maybe the third largest religious group in North America, with a financially important new age market of books, products, and services. It's fairly loose, casual, and fluid, although I think people discuss various issues and what not that arise in various circles and communities.... From the personal standpoint, it seems mainly individualistic. Each person mostly constructs their own philosophy and personal spiritual path based on their own discoveries and experiences. There are also professional independent alternative teachers, some with large organizations. People can follow a specific teacher or take just parts of their teaching for their own individual path.

 

With original theosophy, it is more focused, with international societies that have a certain amount of structure, organization, and policies. It probably appeals to those who want something more specific and directed. Any social movement needs to develop a certain amount of planning, regulation and structure for it to grow harmoniously and any socialization process thus entails following certain social norms and codes for a social experience to be fluid and consistent. So these elements are there for those interested in a more formal social experience. On the individual level, it is not quite as individualistic as in the new age, but there is a healthy amount of freedom and room for personal research, indeed, a proactive self-reliance is encouraged. All members are considered to be students in a learning process. A true teacher is considered to be an adept, therefore there are no teachers per se in the society, and so members who write and lecture are considered as teaching-students.