A Message to Friends in Every Country
United Lodge of Theosophists
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Each year, by June 25,
the U.L.T. sends a message
to its associates and friends.
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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
June 25, 2008
Dear Friends and Associates:
The annual U.L.T Day Letter usually reviews the past year in the light of the Theosophical Movement, the Heart and Mind at work in the world. This year, however, we look to the future, to the anniversary of the 100-year cycle of the founding of the United Lodge of Theosophists. While the result of choices made and actions taken a century ago may appear inevitable, leading smoothly into a new phase of work – we might remember that the planting and gestation of seeds are always more than what they seem. Since “Things past are easier than things present, or the unknown yet to come,” as Robert Crosbie noted in 1910, a review of the events of 1908 and 1909 helps to appreciate the principles behind the formation of U.L.T., the discernment and will called for at that time, and a deeper view of its current purpose.
Following the death of William Q. Judge, students struggled with questions of successorship, authenticity, and direction. Based on interactions with conventional theosophical groups, Robert Crosbie noted that energy spent on organizational structure, finances, and individual opinion diverted attention from the study of Theosophy. To free the mind from personal coloration, Crosbie devised an approach to work based on the three fundamental propositions of The Secret Doctrine. As units of the One, of that nameless Unity whose essence we all are, the vast cyclic evolutionary process brings each of us to the point of “self-induced and self-devised effort,” of individual choice motivated not by the wish for progress, but for the well-being of all. With this as a foundation, individual issues concerning method resolve themselves as we address the over-all question: “What can be done in this time and place to provide sound access to the ancient Wisdom Religion?”
After “surveying the field,” Robert Crosbie issued a circular letter, “TO ALL OPEN-MINDED THEOSOPHISTS,” on November 17, 1908 (The Friendly Philosopher, p. 409). Commenting on the neglect of the First Object of the original Movement – “To form a nucleus of Universal Brotherhood without any distinctions whatever” – it recommended the formation of a new entity called “The United Lodge of Theosophists,” on the grounds that:
“The unassailable basis for union among Theosophists, wherever and however situation, is SIMILARITY OF AIM, PURPOSE, AND TEACHING. The acceptance of this principle by all Theosophists would at once remove all barriers. A beginning must be made by those whose minds have become plastic by the buffetings of experience. An agreement between such is necessary; an assembling together in this spirit…The binding spiritual force of this principle of brotherhood needs no such adventitious aids as Constitution or By-Laws or Officers to administer them.”
During the ensuing three months, Robert Crosbie’s letters indicate that some long-time students of Theosophy, more comfortable with traditional structures, were unsure of this proposal and did not continue along the new lines laid down. Newer students were drawn to the work, however, and the foundation of the United Lodge of Theosophists, including the adoption of its “Declaration,” formally took place on February 18, 1909:
“ ‘U.L.T’ is a name given to certain principles and ideas; those who associate themselves with those principles and ideas are attracted and bound by them only – not by their fellows who do likewise or who refrain or who cease to consider themselves so bound. (The Friendly Philosopher, R. Crosbie, Theosophy Co., p. 366)”
How has U.L.T. continued for 100 years? Simply put, “every one and any one” is invited to study and encounter in the writings of H. P. Blavatsky and William Q. Judge a reflection of their innermost self, and the Self of All. Awakening to the natural cycle of humanity as it moves from action based on personal desire to action based on unity, students find in U.L.T. unfettered freedom of choice. The “Declaration,” as compiled by R.C., underlies and supports such effort, as this forward-looking document provides clarity to the work. Students who wish to associate themselves in a deeper manner with U.L.T. and the larger Movement it points to consciously align themselves with the challenge set forth in the Declaration:
Being in sympathy with the purposes of this Lodge, as set forth in its “Declaration,” I hereby record my desire to be enrolled as an Associate, it being understood that such association calls for no obligation on my part, other than that which I, myself, determine.
What might be done to mark the centennial of this great paradox – the anniversary of the reappearance in an every-day format not of an “organization” but of the eternal idea of spiritual freedom linked to the responsibility of service? In the spirit of U.L.T., as well as of that Universal Movement that transcends time and eras, each student, study class, or Lodge will determine for themselves what this should be, perhaps turning for ideas to the following:
“It was natural that the 50th Anniversary meeting, held on February 18th, should everywhere be an occasion for re-statement of the aims and purposes of U.L.T., giving primary attention to the philosophic content of the U.L.T. Declaration and to the educational function of Theosophy magazine through continuous re-publication of the great articles of H.P.B. and Wm. Q. Judge with their breadth of view which was not only “theirs”, but the natural birthright of every man.” (from the 1959 “ULT Day Letter”)
With gratitude for the last 100 years, and in anticipation of hearing about the thoughts and choices, events and activities that will launch the next 100 years,
Sincerely and fraternally,
THE UNITED LODGE OF THEOSOPHISTS
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