A Message to
Friends in Every Country
United Lodge of
Theosophists
John Garrigues (left) and Robert Crosbie; two of the
founders of the ULT in February 1909
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An Editorial Note:
During 80 years,
every 25th of
June the ULT sent
a message to
its associates
and friends around the
world. John
Garrigues was the main
editor of these
ULT Day letters from
their beginning,
in 1931, up to his death
in 1944. The
letters went on until 2011.
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TO SPREAD
BROADCAST THE TEACHINGS OF THEOSOPHY AS
RECORDED IN THE
WRITINGS OF H. P. BLAVATSKY AND WM. Q. JUDGE
United Lodge of Theosophists
A VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION OF STUDENTS OF THEOSOPHY
245 WEST 33RD
STREET, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90007, USA
June 25, 2001
Dear Friends and
Associates:
Every year at this time, we pause to think about the
work of the universal Theosophical Movement, and to rededicate ourselves to the
task of promulgating the philosophy. This effort traditionally includes a
letter written by independent students who feel the need to share an idea or
two with others of like mind. It tries to draw upon the experience of the past
year for encouragement and examples of how the work has spread. Upbeat and
positive, this letter always seeks to put our best foot forward, modest as it
might be.
Somewhere in the midst of every old cycle, a new one
takes root and begins to grow. Imperceptible at first, it is masked by the
activity of the previous cycle. Mistaken for part of the old form, it is not
yet strong enough to survive in the world alone, so as it gradually gains
strength, it waits for the opportunity to become the future.
The United Lodge of Theosophists began as a radical
idea. It sought to provide a basis for students and inquirers to gather
together to study and promulgate Theosophy, without having to worry about
organization and structure, or elections and officers - the “personality” of
the world. It was an idea both simple and profound, as it left the initiative
for work squarely in the hands of the students themselves. The term “member”
was dropped, and “associate” substituted to indicate those who shared the
vision of what this kind of relationship could mean. The ULT idea had merit, and the number of associates and Lodges
gradually grew, several magazines were started and the original Theosophical
literature brought back into print. Supplements are issued on an occasional
basis when the formal issue exceeds its size limit, and/or some special need
arises.
However, the natural growth of ULT slowed at about the
mid-point of the Twentieth Century, and while the work and magazines were
continued by capable and devoted people, fewer new associates became involved.
This pattern was not unique to ULT, and has been reflected in the experience of
other Theosophical groups; recognition of it provides an opportunity to re-examine
methods of work useful at this time.
Evidence of new seeds of a new cycle for the Movement
have begun to sprout. Fairly early in the Twentieth Century, the idea of urging
students “back to Blavatsky” and “toward unification” became popular among
those seeking to bring members of different Theosophical groups closer to their
common purpose. Much later, in the Eighties, “Networking Conferences” were
held, where for the first time students from different Theosophical
“traditions” found they shared essential ties and basic principles. Joint
conferences and workshops marked the centennial anniversaries of the lives and
works of H. P. Blavatsky, William Q. Judge, and the publication of Madame
Blavatsky’s The Secret Doctrine.
Today, one of the best signs of the health of the Movement is that most
Theosophical groups get along well with each other, and respect their various
roles in the work.
Promising and energetic work now often involves
students of different Theosophical backgrounds, sometimes including those with
no affiliation but who share an appreciation for the teachings and a desire to
share them with others. In cyber space, online discussion groups such as
BlavatskyNet and TheosophyTalk continue to grow steadily, well beyond
organizational boundaries and controls. A new monthly internet magazine, The Aquarian Theosophist, has
subscribers on all continents. Collaboration between ULT associates and
students of the Theosophical Society has resulted in a strong Theosophy Center
in Long Beach, California. Continuing the energy that produced the annual
gatherings at Brookings, Oregon, a similar meeting this year on August 11 and 12
in Cambria, California will consider “Theosophy - Ancient Wisdom for Modern
Times.” (Inquiries can be directed to any of the Lodges on the West Coast for
further information.)
ULT upholds a shared vision, composed of different
perspectives, rather than a single point of view, and it welcomes each and
every attempt to study the teachings. We are bound by a similarity, not an identity
of “aim, purpose and teaching.” The philosophy itself provides all that is
necessary for a common ground among students. ULT could be regarded as a
general outline for service to the Theosophical Movement, not a
one-size-fits-all form to be protected and maintained for its own sake.
All true Theosophical work is based on the alchemy of
the soul: while central authority may be appropriate in some endeavors, the
work of studying and promulgating Theosophy is marked by the necessity of
freedom which is the hallmark of all spiritual growth. Flexibility and the
ability to adapt to change are essential to the development of inner
discrimination in fulfilling the work of the Movement.
To mirror this, beginning next year, the “ULT Day
Letter” will try a new format. We invite all Lodges, associates, and study
groups to write to the Los Angeles Lodge about the work and the challenges, the
successes and failures they face in the study and promulgation of Theosophy.
These contributions will be shared at this time next year as a “bulletin” about
the work of all Lodges and efforts. Submissions should reach Theosophy Hall in
Los Angeles by the first of April, 2002, to allow time for collation and
distribution. A reminder notice will go out asking for contributions to next
year’s circular.
With Fraternal Best Wishes,
United Lodge of Theosophists
000
The above text is
reproduced from “The Aquarian
Theosophist”, July 2001 edition, Supplement.
000
On the role of the
esoteric movement in the ethical awakening of mankind during the 21st century,
see the book “The Fire and Light of Theosophical Literature”, by Carlos
Cardoso Aveline.
Published in 2013
by The Aquarian Theosophist, the volume has 255 pages and can be
obtained through Amazon Books.
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