1st I think the independence of the lodges is very important. If they want to invite people from the PU to talk, I can see very few reasons for the Brasil TS to interfere, let alone for the General Council. Unless of course what gets discussed goes outside the realm of brotherhood or gets consistently political. Neither has been claimed by those who would limit the involvement of the PU with the TS.

BUT – if the lodges aren’t inviting these people and they are forcing themselves on the lodges, then it’s another issue. Then the Brasil TS should get involved and perhaps even the General Council.

2nd I think the independence of the sections is ALSO very important – which means that as long as the TS in Brasil isn’t violating the political neutrality of the TS, and the three objects are being followed, I don’t really see much reason for the General Council to interfere.

But if I’m missing important points here, I’d love to be enlightened.

Sorry to hear you’re not being more specific. For someone who advises me to be more silent – you’re doing a strange version of that yourself: again hinting more than you’re saying.

But since you clearly don’t want to go into it further, we’ll just have to leave it at this: you think there is good reason to take a good look at the PU and you think it’s good policy to not explain why. Duly noted.

But those who don’t explain why they’re doing what they’re doing, should not be too surprised if others don’t understand and start asking questions. I don’t see what’s wrong with asking questions and trying to balance information.

Katinka

I posted valid questions for you to think about them since you have posted unfounded opinions on something of which your empirical knowledge is zero.

Whenever possible, when posting statements I usually do it when I have real facts, or empirical knowledge about the issue at hand. Otherwise, as advice in occult sciences: “to know, to dare, to will, and to be silent; and the last of he four is the hardest of them all.”…

I always try to have these wise words in mind every day and try my best not to post comments or statements on things I do not have facts nor have I personal knowledge and/or have not been able to witnessed and/or experienced. That is why I rather ask questions. Whatever reaction those questions provoke in others, that is their own personal challenge to deal with.

Out of respect to your hard work and dedication to Theosophy and TS, I will honor a couple of your questons.

Yes, I do know what they talk about when they visit lodges.

Yes, they are targeting the Hispanic Community.

I don’t understand your saying: “I think in Brasil it’s quite natural to target the Hispanic community”

I also am confused about: “Aren’t they the largest community? Largest community compare to what?

>”I personally think the TS would be better off if we succeeded in attracting more people from non-Indian non-white communities.”–I agee with you on this, Katinka…BTW: I personally do not understand them having a 24/7 TV program and their Section membership decreasing.

>”we’re disturbingly ‘white’, in my view.”–In my view, should ‘white’ choose to think, feel, and act according to their Higher-Self, they are a blessing to the universe and its evolution.

>”My main point is: the arguments I’ve seen aren’t strong enough for me to condemn the organization.”—With all due respect, Katinka, it is not a matter of condemning them, or anyone else for that matter. It is a matter of understanding, knowing…, and if something needs to be addressed and corrected, then every effort should be made to do so.

With this I am closing my participation on this issue. In order for you, or those interested in this, you would need to listen, view, experience for yourselves in order to give a more or less good or bad perspective on this. I believe that perspective or perception will depend on the personal and individual level of evolvement of each one at a particular time and date.

As always, best to you and all. May the Light, Love and Wisdom of the Great Ones be with all always!!☺
J.

You are asking very suggestive questions & I’d like to ask them right back at you:

- Do YOU know what they talk about when they visit lodges? And aren’t the lodges responsible themselves?

- Have YOU been to their meetings?

- Do YOU know what’s in those programs?

- And ARE they targeting the Hispanic community? I think in Brasil it’s quite natural to target the Hispanic community. Aren’t they the largest community?

I personally think the TS would be better off if we succeeded in attracting more people from non-Indian non-white communities. For a multi-cultural dialog organization, we’re disturbingly ‘white’, in my view. If the PU counterbalances that a bit, I’m all for it. But the PU isn’t the TS, so I should not expect them to take that up.

My main point is: the arguments I’ve seen aren’t strong enough for me to condemn the organization. Your questions contain suggestions that there may be other points that ARE serious – but as long as you phrase it as questions and not statements, all you’re doing is innuendo. You’re not even being clear enough that the PU could defend itself from your accusations – if there is anything particular you’re accusing them of.

For me being spiritual means giving people the benefit of the doubt. If and when someone/or some organization is proven guilty THEN I’ll be quite willing to denounce it or accept that the General Council has a good right to denounce them.

>”The organization is a non-profit entity and managed independently of the TS so as to place no financial burden or risk on the assets of the TS in Brazil.”—The PU has very wealthy individuals running it; a perfect sample of this is that they can afford to have a TV program running 24/7. Doesn’t this beg the question…Being that they are wealthy, why would they think they would, and I quote: “place no financial burden or risk on the assets of the TS in Brazil.”? So, are they truly promoting Theosophy as it is suppose to be done, according to its divine design? Or there is something else most people have not been exposed to, thus do not fully understand?

I thank you in advance for your attention.

A world where activity is increasingly Web 2.0 in nature requires more dynamic structures and much looser requirements. We have to be prepared for people who are “drive-by helpers”, whose effort may not be continual or are even one-off deals. The absolute worst thing that can be done in this type of situation is to put barriers up. Rather you look for ways to add value, to be the light and not the point.

Welcome Theosophy to the world of Web 2.0.

C’mon in, the water really is fine!!!