Theos-Talk Archives (February 1998 Message tl00050)

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> From: Mark Kusek <mark@withoutwalls.com>
> To: Multiple recipients of list <theos-l@vnet.net>
> Subject: Re: Response to Eiichi or "Brotherhood, Smotherhood"
> Date: Thursday, February 12, 1998 3:36 AM
>
> > John Mead wrote:
> >
> > But the recent statements coming out in the official publications of TS
in
> > America are the ones which are causing concerns and have the greatest
potential
> > to attract people who may be mislead and join the TS. In this day of
New
> > Age many are interested in finding out hidden secrets of nature so that
> > they can use them in their quest for health, wealth and happiness. Do
we
> > want this to happen? What is it going to do for the long term health of
TS?
> > These are the issues that need to be looked into.
>

Hmmmmm  I never wrote the above.....

My actual concern is that the TSA is becoming much more like the ES.
Basically a specific religion worshiping some specific group of adepts with
a specific dogma and required way of life....
One which inherently has a hierarchical view of even its own members! One
which discriminates between specific indvidual members according to their
particular religious beliefs or (even worse) by some perceived notion of
'level of adept-hood'.

If you have not seen this type of behaviour coming out from TSA national
then you are looking through glasses fogged by your desire to *avoid* any
thought which may be labeled as 'negative'.  Doss  has made very healthy,
positive, observations.  What makes them seem negative is due to the
fictional belief that *all* critical analysis is inherently negative and
creates bad 'vibes'.  If you get bad 'vibes' over these discussions it is
probably because you feel you have to defend the other side. (?  my guess).

The majority of theosophists seem to find it easier to ignore bad ideas and
positions rather than correct them.  The TSA leaders often use phrases like
"now, don't be negative!"  as a way to guilt-trip an individual into
silence.  That attitude actually *is* a very negative and damaging thought
form.  (also - Thou shall not criticize thy church, or thy will be judged a
heretic!)

I think this discussion is very positive. It is very healthy. It gives to
me a feeling of renewal and hope to see theosophists questioning the
decisions of their elected servants.

john e. mead