Theos-Talk Archives (May 1994 Message tl00054)

Some years back a conference was held in New York during which
practical ideas on the dissemination of theosophy were shared by
theosophists of all persuasions. A wonderful cross-fertilization of
ideas resulted with some very constructive and non-traditional
activities for theosophical groups being advocated such as the use of
poetry, drama, and art to communicate theosophical ideas. Why don't
we continue this good work using the wonderful medium of Internet? I
would like to start the ball rolling with a few suggestions based on
our experience here in Australia, and some of the ideas that have
appeared on Theos-l over the past few months:

1/ Development of theosophical libraries : some members of the
network are librarians (eg Paul Johnston and myself) and therefore
well placed to offer advice on the development of theosophical
libraries. Why not identify and utilize this expertize wherever
needed in different parts of the world?
2/ Current awareness of theosophical literature : an idea which has
value in situations such as ours where members and friends work in
isolation is to establish a current awareness service. Contents pages
of theosophical magazines could be distributed to interested people
who don't have access to a theosophical library and articles of
interest copied for them (where this does not breach copyright!).
3/ Theosophically trained therapists : some weeks ago we briefly
discussed the impact of changing family structures in the Western
world and what, if anything, theosophists could do to alleviate the
resultant problems that arise from this process. The idea was put
forward that, if parents could see their responsibilities in the light
of the great laws of life that theosophy teaches, then many of these
problems could be ameliorated. How is it possible to practically
apply this sentiment? I remember reading interesting accounts by
theosophically inspired psychological therapists in Sunrise magazine
and Theosophical Link (TS Pasadena pubs) which gave actual examples
of people applying theosophic concepts to marital and psychological
therapy. Could more be done to draw on the experiences of such people
and ways found to train others (not necessarily in theosophical
organizations) with these concepts?
4/ Use of new technology : the discussion on the production of a
thesophical game on CDROM on Theos-l recently is an interesting
example of the application of new technology to the ancient concepts
we hold dear as theosophists. There must be so many other practical
ways, including the further use of Internet, that theosophical ideas
could be disseminated using new technology.

What do others think to a regular discussion addressing ourselves to
practical issues of helping others with the knowledge we have in the
theosophic tradition?

With good wishes to all,
Andrew