Showing posts with label anniversary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anniversary. Show all posts
Monday, 30 September 2019
Monday, 28 January 2019
Theosophy Basics: Principles of Action and Work
But no Theosophist has the right to this name, unless he is thoroughly imbued with the correctness of Carlyle's truism: "The end of man is an action and not a thought, though it were the noblest" — and unless he sets and models his daily life upon this truth. The profession of a truth is not yet the enactment of it; and the more beautiful and grand it sounds, the more loudly virtue or duty is talked about instead of being acted upon, the more forcibly it will always remind one of the Dead Sea fruit.(Key 230)
However insignificant, and however limited the line of good deeds, the latter will have always more weight than empty and vainglorious talk, and will be theosophy whereas theories without any practical realisation are at best philosophy. [...]Therefore, when we are told that "the question for consideration is not whether the Theosophical Society is doing good, but whether it is doing that kind of good which is entitled to the name of Theosophy" -- we turn round and ask: And who is to be the judge in this mooted question? We have heard of one of the greatest Theosophists who ever lived, who assured his audience that whosoever gave a cup of cold water to a little one in his (Theosophy's) name, would have a greater reward than all the learned Scribes and Pharisees.
[The Original Programme of the Theosophical Society, Ostende, October 3, 1886]
Better unwise activity, than an overdose of too wise inactivity, apathy or indifference which are always the death of an undertaking.
[The Original Programme of the Theosophical Society, Ostende, October 3, 1886]
Let the encouragement we draw from a survey of the results accomplished in the year that has fled serve to spur us on to greater efforts and more strenuous exertions. Let it make all feel that there is a power behind the Society which will give us the strength we need, which will enable us to move the world, if we will but UNITE and WORK as one mind, one heart. The Masters require only that each shall do his best, and, above all, that each shall strive in reality to feel himself one with his fellow-workers.
It is not a dull agreement on intellectual questions, or an impossible unanimity as to all details of work, that is needed; but a true, hearty, earnest devotion to our cause which will lead each to help his brother to the utmost of his power to work for that cause, whether or not we agree as to the exact method of carrying on that work. The only man who is absolutely wrong in his method is the one who does nothing; each can and should cooperate with all and all with each in a large-hearted spirit of comradeship to forward the work of bringing Theosophy home to every man and woman in the country. (Letter II — 1889 - Third Annual Convention — April 28-29)
Theosophy teaches mutual-culture before self-culture to begin with. Union is strength. It is by gathering many theosophists of the same way of thinking into one or more groups, and making them closely united by the same magnetic bond of fraternal unity and sympathy that the objects of mutual development and progress in Theosophical thought may be best achieved.
[The Original Programme of the Theosophical Society, Ostende, October 3, 1886]
Though free to pursue whatever intellectual occupation pleases him the best, each member of our Society must, however, furnish some reason for belonging thereto, which amounts to saying that each member must contribute his part, small though it be, in mental or other labour for the benefit of all. If he does not work for others, he has no reason for being a Theosophist. THE NEW CYCLE [La Revue Theosophique, Paris, Vol. I, No. I, March 21, 1889, pp. 3-13]
Every lay member is entitled to general instruction if he only wants it; but few are willing to become what is called "working members," and most prefer to remain the drones of Theosophy. Let it be understood that private research is encouraged in the T. S., provided it does not infringe the limit which separates the exoteric from the esoteric, the blind from the conscious magic. (Key 24)
None know more keenly and definitely than they that good works are necessary; only these cannot be rightly accomplished without knowledge. Schemes for Universal Brotherhood, and the redemption of mankind, might be given out plentifully by the great adepts of life, and would be mere dead-letter utterances while individuals remain ignorant, and unable to grasp the great meaning of their teachers. To Theosophists we say, let us carry out the rules given us for our society before we ask for any further schemes or laws. To the public and our critics we say, try to understand the value of good works before you demand them of others, or enter upon them rashly yourselves. Yet it is an absolute fact that without good works the spirit of brotherhood would die in the world; and this can never be. Therefore is the double activity of learning and doing most necessary; we have to do good, and we have to do it rightly, with knowledge.
("LET EVERY MAN PROVE HIS OWN WORK" Lucifer, Vol. I, Np. 3, November, 1887, pp. 161-169)
But, in recognising this, he also makes another discovery. He sees that it takes a very wise man to do good works without danger of doing incalculable harm. A highly developed adept in life may grasp the nettle, and by his great intuitive powers, know whom to relieve from pain and whom to leave in the mire that is their best teacher. The poor and wretched themselves will tell anyone who is able to win their confidence what disastrous mistakes are made by those who come from a different class and endeavour to help them.
("LET EVERY MAN PROVE HIS OWN WORK" Lucifer, Vol. I, Np. 3, November, 1887, pp. 161-169)
ENQUIRER. How do you expect the Fellows of your Society to help in the work?
THEOSOPHIST. First by studying and comprehending the theosophical doctrines, so that they may teach others, especially the young people. Secondly, by taking every opportunity of talking to others and explaining to them what Theosophy is, and what it is not; by removing misconceptions and spreading an interest in the subject. Thirdly, by assisting in circulating our literature, by buying books when they have the means, by lending and giving them and by inducing their friends to do so. Fourthly, by defending the Society from the unjust aspersions cast upon it, by every legitimate device in their power. Fifth, and most important of all, by the example of their own lives. (Key 248-49-12)
11- Theosophical work is aimed encouraging free, enlightened thinking and overcoming dogmas and superstitions.
All of us must work for the liberation of human thought, for the elimination of selfish and sectarian superstitions, and for the discovery of all the truths that are within the reach of the human mind. This goal cannot be attained with greater certainty than through the culture of solidarity on the plane of mental work. No honest worker, no serious seeker, has ever returned therefrom empty-handed; and there are hardly any men or women, however busy they may be thought to be, unable to lay their moral or pecuniary mite on the altar of Truth. (THE NEW CYCLE [La Revue Theosophique, Paris, Vol. I, No. I, March 21, 1889, pp. 3-13])
12- Theosophical work strives to reduce social strife and discord.
After all, every wish and thought I can utter are summed up in this one sentence, the never dormant wish of my heart, "Be Theosophists, Work for Theosophy!" Theosophy first, and Theosophy last; for its practical realization alone can save the Western World from that selfish and unbrotherly feeling that now divides race from race, one nation from the other, and from that hatred of class and [from] social strifes, that are the curse and disgrace of so-called Christian peoples.(Letter IV — 1891 - Fifth Annual Convention — April 26-27)
Monday, 10 September 2018
Fourth Year!
It was quite a busy year, besides this blog, I’ve been working on other projects on other web sites, all useful projects, that I feel will bring good fruits:
Gems from the East
https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/theosophy/mining-the-gems-from-the-east-and-west-t1524.html#last
Isis Unveiled
https://nexus.universaltheosophy.com/articles/exploring-blavatskys-isis-unveiled-conclusion/
Blavatsky News
https://blavatskynews2.blogspot.com/
In many ways the number four represents the fruition of a manifestation process, and so what does that signify for the Montreal Theosophy Project? I would like to expand – expand the scope of the blog with more original writing and a wider variety of topics including more contemporary ones – additionally, resume public lectures and publish more elaborate writings as well. Thank you for the interest and please stay tuned…
I will recruit for myself and you as I go,
I will scatter myself among men and women as I go,
I will toss a new gladness and roughness among them,
Whoever denies me it shall not trouble me,
Whoever accepts me he or she shall be blessed and shall bless me. (Walt Whitman, Song of the Open Road, 5)
Friday, 26 January 2018
The top 12 posts of 2017
1- The 12
Most Important Ethical-Moral Philosophy Writings of All-Time
2- Dimensions
of Sacred Geography
3- The
Golden Rule in 20 World Religions
4- Jean-Marie
Ragon on Universal Masonry and Brother/Sisterhood
5- Franz
Hartmann on Scepticism and Credulity
6- Through
the Gates of Gold, Chapter 1, The Search for Pleasure, part 7
7- Tibetan
Mindfulness of Death Meditation 2
8- The Great
American Eclipse, Baseball's World Series, and the number 9
9- Divine
Madness: Plato on Sex and Love, part 2
10- Blavatsky
on Shamanism
11- Blavatsky's
translation of Leo Tolstoy's The Imp and the Crust (1889)
12- The
Kabbalah on Reincarnation 1/5
Thursday, 17 August 2017
3rd Year!
And so another year of blogging has passed and now a Trinity has been completed (marking the completion of the pre-manifestation phase in the cycle, before the three becomes the four in manifestation, ).
This year featured a slightly different program from the last. The book review feature was dropped in favor of a series on the 3rd Global Conference of World Religions after September 11 (with one more post to go), a series on the Gates of Gold was launched (with related extracts from Light on the Path), the quarterly astrology continued for another cycle, the Theosophy Basics feature increased its frequency, and various studies on Karma and Reincarnation from different traditions continued to appear. Additionally, posts on wisdom sayings from different cultures were part of the mix as well as various posts from ancient philosophy, East and West, to round out the program.
I like to think a good diversity of topics was maintained and the introduction of more composed, researched pieces made a slight increase of frequecy. We hope to do even better for the coming year, with greater diversity, depth and more topical contemporary-oriented material. Perhaps the book review section will return, as things get oganized and more concrete projects, which are in the works, reach fruition. Thank you for tagging along for the ride, and one and all are cordially invited to continue our humble theosophical journey...
This is the meal equally set, this the meat for natural hunger,
This year featured a slightly different program from the last. The book review feature was dropped in favor of a series on the 3rd Global Conference of World Religions after September 11 (with one more post to go), a series on the Gates of Gold was launched (with related extracts from Light on the Path), the quarterly astrology continued for another cycle, the Theosophy Basics feature increased its frequency, and various studies on Karma and Reincarnation from different traditions continued to appear. Additionally, posts on wisdom sayings from different cultures were part of the mix as well as various posts from ancient philosophy, East and West, to round out the program.
I like to think a good diversity of topics was maintained and the introduction of more composed, researched pieces made a slight increase of frequecy. We hope to do even better for the coming year, with greater diversity, depth and more topical contemporary-oriented material. Perhaps the book review section will return, as things get oganized and more concrete projects, which are in the works, reach fruition. Thank you for tagging along for the ride, and one and all are cordially invited to continue our humble theosophical journey...
This is the meal equally set, this the meat for natural hunger,
It is for the wicked just the same as the righteous, I make appoint- ments with all,
I will not have a single person slighted or left away,
The kept-woman, sponger, thief, are hereby invited,
The heavy-lipp'd slave is invited, the venerealee is invited;
There shall be no difference between them and the rest.
(Walt Whitman - Song to Myself, 19)
Thursday, 18 August 2016
Second Anniversary!
We've also expanded our web activities onto twitter and facebook, which helped double our web traffic from the first year, with visitors from many different parts of the world. We've also continued our lecture activity, presenting a some lectures on Reincarnation and Karma and a lively activity on H. P. Blavatsky.
For the next year, we hope to continue with more of same and hopefully in the future, we'll be able to diversify the topics more and develop a more contemporary approach - and we have more projects in the works... thanks to one and all for the interest....
"These are really the thoughts of all men in all ages and lands, they are not original with me,
If they are not yours as much as mine they are nothing, or next to nothing,
If they are not the riddle and the untying of the riddle they are nothing,
If they are not just as close as they are distant they are nothing.
This is the grass that grows wherever the land is and the water is,
This the common air that bathes the globe."
Walt Whitman, Songs to Myself, 17, Leaves of Grass, 1892
image thanks to lindasbiblestudy.wordpress.com
Friday, 31 July 2015
First anniversary!
Yes, it's been a full year now that the Montreal Theosophy Project has been blogging on a regular weekly basis. In this past year we've tried to add our own humble contribution to the vibrant theosophical internet activity that is going on and we've announced a few public lectures which have had a nice response, thank you. We started off trying to convey the diversity and quality of the sizeable legacy of classic theosophical texts and writers with both short-length posts and longer ones. Along the way, we added a book review feature to highlight important and relevant works of theosophical interest. We hope to continue to develop and expand in quality and diversity over the next year. Much thanks to all who have visited our modest cyberspace portal.
That we all labor together transmitting the
same charge and succession,
We few equals indifferent of lands,
indifferent of times,
We, enclosers of all continents, all
castes, allowers of all theologies,
Compassionaters, perceivers, rapport of
men,
We walk silent among disputes and
assertions, but reject not the disputers: nor anything that is asserted,
We hear the bawling and din, we are reach'd
at by divisions, jealousies, recriminations on every side,
They close peremptorily upon us to surround
us, my comrade,
Yet we walk unheld, free, the whole earth
over, journeying up and down till we make our ineffaceable mark upon time and
the diverse eras,
Till we saturate time and eras, that the men and
women of races, ages to come, may prove brethren and lovers as we are. — (Walt Whitman, To him that was Crucified, Leaves of Grass, 397)
image thanks to :
http://www.culturalweekly.com/on-the-occasion-of-a-first-anniversary/
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