Theos-Talk Archives (February 1998 Message tl00051)

Doss:
>The mission of TS should be presented in very simple clear cut unambiguous
>terms that even a child can understand. Theosophy is not meant to be for
>the scholarly elite only, it was meant for everyone. Has it reached the
>masses? What does the facts say in this regard?

Dear Doss,

I understand your concern regarding theosophy reaching the masses.  I also
consider that to be important.  Theos-l had a discussion regarding this a
year ago.

To me, the problem is not the order of the objectives.  I don't think
changing the order would make much difference.  Even the layman would love
to learn of the mysteries.  I think the most effective action is making
areas of communication accessible to the masses.  This could be done by
distributing books geared toward the layman, perhaps books with lots of
pictures and easy to understand writing.  A good example of that would be
the series of books on the esoteric by Thames and Hudson.  Their books are
large, with writing that would not insult the intelligence, yet would not
be tedious for the layman, and is 50% pictures.  This, I think, would be
appealing even to a child.  Perhaps someone with a good knowledge of the
important theosophical works would be willing to simplify them and portray
the ideas pictorially.  This someone would also have to have clear and
friendly communication skills.  This condensing will not insult the
original works.  Think of these books as a bridge to deeper knowledge.

If communication is done via the internet, the discussions should also
allow for simple and naive inquiries, and even crassness.  The response
should be tolerant, kind, helpful, and related to the tone of the writer.
The layman could be uneducated or could be working on a doctorate.  Respond
in a way that the questioner would understand, but do not insult the
intelligence of the writer. And, my personal preference, a few jokes and
poetry makes the environment more pleasant.

Doss, consider that the "scholarly elite" were laymen who have crossed the
first bridge and wants to continue crossing more bridges.  There are places
for them, too.  The only thing is that, as people further in their search,
they should not forget to walk back to the first bridge once in a while and
assist the new ones over.

The best way to reach people is through communication and acceptance.
Accept them where they are at, and work with them from their strength.  If
you want to push people away, then tell them that they are not good enough
where they are, and that they should be ashamed of themselves.  Why not
give constructive ideas without pinpointing blames, or blanket categorizing
people?  You can influence friends, but you can't influence enemies.
Actually, you can influence your enemies, but that would be the strategy of
war.  Doss, since you follow ahimsa, I don't think you want to do that. :o)
Make friends first, see what they are about, let them know what you are
about, let them see what you are passionate about, and positively glow
about your passion.  In that way, you can be persuasive and charismatic.
Believe me, I know it works.  When people like you, they are more than
willing to do whatever they can for you.  This is from my personal
observation from former workplaces, and from extracurricular activities.  I
am not the type to take advantage of it, perhaps that is a part of it.  I
did notice that when I make a suggestion of change because I cared, people
are quick to respond.  And sometimes people goes above and beyond my
request.  All this surprised me.

Thoa :o)