Theos-Talk Archives (July 1996 Message tl00246)

> 
> Richard Ihle commented on feeling stranded in the Theosophical
> movement, with people on his "right" lining up with John A. and
> Radha B. redefining the TS in a more exclusive, dogmatic
> direction, while some on his "left" seem to exemplify an
> irresponsible and destructive cynicism.


Perhaps I am missing something (again) but I am having an overwhelming
thought here and feel compelled to put it out. Just ignore it, if
that pleases you best...or perhaps give it some thought. Whatever. 


First off, I don't understand all of this posturing and politicking
that I've been reading about in several posts. I'm far from familiar
with any kind of "movement" and have an ingrained suspicion of them
to begin with. Doesn't it seem though that this is just a larger
scale of office politics and really defeats the entire purpose
of having an organization of people who are open to all sorts of
religious philosophy? 

Again, maybe I am just missing something. But that's how it looks
from the outside. All these personalities and quibbling over whose
philosophy is the "right" philosophy smacks of creating dogma. Is
that what you all want? 


>  One group wants to
> deny the very obvious dysfunctionality of Theosophical
> organizations, and to blame the problems on "those others who
> don't really belong." 



What do they mean about "those who don't belong"?



> far, it seems that cyberspace communication has done little or
> nothing to help improve the health of the Theosophical
> movement.  Can or will it do so in the future?


I'm not sure what you mean by the "health" of it. My understanding is
that the whole purpose of the organization is to find other seekers,
to explore different ideas and provide a resource for exposure to
those ideas. From the sounds of it, you all are trying to herd cats.
When you have some 1000s of people, all of whom are free thinkers,
the typical methodology of organization ain't gonna work. 

I do know, though, that politicking and quibbling about personalities
and the quest for "power" (as if any one of us had more "power"
than another in *any* respect) is exactly what destroys organizations. 

 From what I've read, you all have a great library and each individual 
is a wonderful resource for the exploration of ideas. Lots of sharp
and aware minds. Why not tap that wisdom and ignore all the rest
of this stuff. 

As me olde grandmither used to say, "will this all matter in ten
years?" 

'Nuff said. 


-- -- 
Baltimore Chessman-Sweeney                     "I strive to be the person
                                                my dog thinks I am."
e-mail: shaman@primenet.com
        balto1@rtd.com