April AQ – The Tao of not Judging

Posted on April 17, 2010 by | 3 Comments
Dear Readers
 
This month’s AQ starts with a short tale sent in by a reader on the tendency to judge things by their appearance - I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we did.
Page 2 has a report on the ‘Justice for Judge’ campaign;
Page 6 some news and pictures of the new Haiti ULT Lodge;
Page 7 is H.P.Blavatsky on ‘Magic’ and finally sharing page 10 with RC’s reflections on W.Q.Judge is a brief piece on the new British deputy prime minister Nick Clegg’s connection to H.P.Blavatsky!
 
Happy reading,
 
The AQ Editors
 
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[update 16th May - a reader has commented that this tale was written by Master Chuang (Zhuanzi), the early Taoist, not Lao Tzu.]
 

The Tao of not Judging 

 
It happened in the time of Lao Tzu. And he liked the story very much.

An old and very poor man lived in a village. But even the emperor envied him his white horse.  He was offered large sums of money to sell it, but he always responded: 

“This horse is not really a horse. He is like a man to me.  And who on the earth could sell a man, a friend?  Tell me!”  Though he was so very poor he didn’t sell the horse. 

One morning the horse disappeared from the stable.  All the men from the village gathered saying to the man:  “You poor old fool!  We knew that the horse will be stolen.  It would be better to sell it.  What a misfortune!” 

But the old man responded: “Why such a hurry?  Why couldn’t you just say:  ”There’s no horse in the stable?”  That is the fact; but if it is a misfortune or blessing – I do not know – because it is just a small piece.  Who knows what is going to happen next?” 

And people laughed at the man.  They knew that he was somehow weird.  But – in  two weeks, one evening, all at once the horse returned.  So, it wasn’t stolen.  It just escaped into the wilderness.  And that was not all. It was accompanied with twelve new wild horses… 

Chuang Tzu dreaming of a butterfly (or a butterfly dreaming of Chuang Tzu)

Chuang Tzu dreaming of a butterfly (or a butterfly dreaming of Chuang Tzu)

People gathered again, saying: “You were right, old man. It was not a misfortune but a blessing!” 

And the old man responded: ”You are judging again!  Just say: the horse is back… who knows is it a blessing or not?  That is just a small part, you are reading only a word from the whole sentence – how can you judge the whole book?”  People didn’t respond anything, but deep inside, they were sure that the old man was wrong.  But there were twelve more horses given to him – out of nothing! 

The old man had an only son who started to train all those wild horses.  In one week he fell of the horse and both his legs were broken. 

The people gathered again judging:  ”You were right again!  It was a misfortune.  The only son you have can not use his legs any more.  And he was the only hope of your old age.  Now you are more poor then ever.” 

Lao Tzu portrait

Lao Tzu portrait

Old man responded:  ”You seemed to be obsessed by judging.  Do not walk too far. 
Say just that my son had broken his legs.  None can tell if that was a misfortune or a blessing.   Life takes place in small pieces and we can never know.” 

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March 2010 AQ – Justice to Judge

Posted on March 17, 2010 by | 8 Comments

Dear Friends

As we come to the season of Easter – named after Ostara, the Scandinavian goddess of spring or rebirth of the Solar forces in us and Nature – we follow up last month’s theme on the vitality of the theosophical movement, why it’s waning and what may have caused this.

It is said that unless the study of both HPB and WQJ are restored the movement will remain divided and weak.  They are analogous to Buddhi, the “potentiality of intelligence”, and Manas, the active power of the mind: to effect a change both must be brought together into close union.

The lead article is in support of the annual call for “Justice to Judge” – see also “Documents that would clear WQJ’s name” on p 3, which investigates the evidence that would put an end to this long running injustice.

You can also read about the marvellous work of the associates at the Jacmel Lodge in Haiti.  They lost their building in the earthquake on January 12th but managed to open a new one in time for W.Q.Judge Day on 21st March.  They were thankful for assistance from fellow theosophists locally and from Paris, Philadelphia, New York, London and elsewhere.   These few extracts from their emails gives a brief, moving insight to conditions there. 

- “News from Haiti” on p.7 and “Jacmel: a Preliminary Report” on p.8.

It’s said if we believe in something, do it wholeheartedly, if not stay well away from it.   We commend this issue to you and leave the rest to the good Law!

The Editors

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Justice to Judge 

Letters to Adyar – the Fifth Year

For the fifth time since April 2006,  independent students from various countries will be sending on 13 April 2010 a number of open letters to Ms. Radha Burnier, President  of the Adyar Theosophical Society.

They will be asking Ms. Burnier to think of stopping a century old, on-going  injustice by  re-examining  the Adyar “Case” against Mr. William Q. Judge.

Justice to Judge: Picture of W.Q.J.

Such a decision would be a demonstration that the Adyar Society actually cares about Ethics and Truth. It would give a large portion of the theosophical movement a better chance to benefit from the practical example of Judge’s altruistic life, and from the theosophical wisdom present in his books. 

The open letters campaign has no expectations of great short term results. Karma  may take time, although it always produces results – often by invisible ways. As any social institution, the Adyar T.S. is accountable for what it does or doesn’t do.  Just  like the executive officers of any private corporation or government officers around the world,  Adyar leaders must be willing to accept the truth and to admit the mistakes of  their organization in a public way, especially if  such mistakes create a public, long term illusion.

The 19th century process of persecution against Judge within the Adyar Theosophical Society is extensively documented in the book The Judge Case, by Ernest Pelletier (published by the Edmonton Theosophical Society, Canada, in June 2004) and in other books.

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Jan-Feb 2010 AQ – The Wills of Helena P. Blavatsky

Posted on February 17, 2010 by | 1 Comment

Dear Friends 

With the approach of springtime we enter a new season of reviews looking into important events in the Life and Work of Mme Blavatsky and how these now affect the vitality of the Theosophical Movement in 21st c. and the robustness of the social, scientific and religious reforms that were and still remain in the hearts of so many.

We start with a contemporary article on the wills made by HPB before she died in London in 1891 and what may have happened following her death.  It is based on the research by the author of “The Judge Case” and is in that book, reproduced here. 

Also in this edition is a Wiki review of the Anugita, which will be serialised in Supplements.  The Anugita is a work of ageless practical esoteric instruction often quoted in original theosophical writing, with only one hard to find translation.

These two articles come well recommended – to understand the history of the movement is a vital part of the work, so if you are inclined do feel empowered to print and distribute the PDF to your study group or those who may be interested.

Namaste! 

The Editors 

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The Wills of Helena P. Blavatsky

A Mystery about H.P.B. and events in London, 1891 

Shortly after reviewing “The Secret Doctrine” Annie Besant joined the Theosophical Society on March 10th, 1889.  Besant had made a name for herself as one of England’s finest orators and her abilities were needed by the growing Society.

Besant showed great promise as a student of Theosophy and was soon sitting at H.P.B.’s side acknowledging her as her new guru. She was quickly brought in as a pledged member of the Esoteric Section. Just one month before her death H.P.B. appointed Besant (April 1st, 1891) as the Chief Secretary of the Inner Group of the Esoteric Section and Recorder of the Teachings, [1] and arranged for her to go to America to meet William Q. Judge and deliver Blavatsky’s message to the American Convention held April 26th – 27th, 1891, as her special delegate. 

At the time Besant accepted that Judge was an Occultist, a view she later discounted. On May 8th Blavatsky died in London while Besant was on her way back from America. 

Besant had sailed for England on May 6th and, upon receiving word of Blavatsky’s death, Judge followed on May 13th, 1891. Olcott would not sail from India until June 15th. Evidentiary facts have been gathered and are presented here for consideration regarding that period between Blavatsky’s death on May 8th and the time of Judge’s arrival in London on May 21st, 1891. 

19 Avenue Road where HPB died

Blavatsky executed her first Will before she left India in early 1885. According to Olcott she drew up a Will on January 31st, 1885.

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Nov and Dec 09 AQ: “Realizing Buddha Nature”

Posted on December 17, 2009 by | Leave a comment

Dear AQ readers and correspondents

As we approach the winter solstice on 21st December with the inner forces coming into balance in the laya state, it is the winter transition or pralaya at the trough of the annual cycle.  Meanwhile on the outer plane, much of the other world rushes into celebrations of Christmas with its periodic Saturnalian excess.

Students of the perennial philosophy, who must live and work in both worlds, remembering they are in it but not of it, and like the earth they also strive to pass through the ‘laya’ into a new state.

We start this month’s AQ with an extract from Theosophy Watch on a simple meditation for transcending that which holds us back (on p 1), followed by the second excellent piece on chelaship (p 2).

There is much more besides, on “sleep paralysis” that affects perhaps as many as one in 20 people (p 5 – are you one?), on the ethical power of consumers, especially relevant at this time of year (p 6), on water found on the moon (p 7) and pictures of monsters of the oceans (p 8).

Wishing all our readers a fruitful New Year,

The AQ Editors

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Realizing Buddha Nature

“The Self is the Friend of Self and Also Its Enemy” – W. Q. Judge

Esteemed Tibetan Buddhist Scholar and Teacher Anam Thubten Rinpoche’s Message of Infinite Love Resonates in Turbulent Times.

“If we are still wondering how to awaken, I suggest that we meditate now and then and focus on the following question:

‘What is holding me back from realizing my true nature, my Buddha Nature?’

Picture by Sandy Frazier with hyperlink

Sandy Frazier

“This is a very powerful inquiry. I am sharing this based on my own meditation practice. This is one of my favorite meditations because it always takes me to the place where I cannot blame anybody or anything for my lack of awakening.

“When we open our hearts and let go of all of our theories and speculations, when we are not distracted even by spiritual fantasies, when we simply wholeheartedly and courageously inquire into what is holding us back, that is all that we need to do.

What’s Holding Us Back?

“Or we can just ask the truth, ‘What is holding me back from awakening right now?’ Either way we can’t find any answer because there is nobody there. There is nothing holding us back and that’s why we never really find any answers.

“Next we might ask, “If there are no obstacles holding me back, then why am I not awakened right now?” And when we look we realize that we are attached to our thoughts.

“That’s all that is happening. Samsara is nothing more than our identification with thoughts. That’s all there is. There is nothing there except thoughts.”

from “No Self, No Problem” by Anam Thubten, edited by Sharon Roe, published by Snow Lion Publications.
Curtsey of http://theosophywatch.com  The Mystic Power posted on Dec 15, 2009 by theosophywatch

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Oct 09 AQ: A Quiet Revolution

Posted on October 17, 2009 by | 1 Comment

Dear Readers

There is a quiet revolution going on in our engagement with schools.  The difference one knowledgeable person – a retired School Principal – can make to the life chances of hundreds of pupils is extraordinary.  It’s inspired, careful work.  Read about it on page 1.

‘Qualifications for Chelaship’ starts on page 2, on “the power of the Adepts over forces of nature… and their goodness and their solicitude for the welfare of the race”.

There’s lots more inside: on growing wheatgrass, the dangers of MSG in our diet and an announcement from a new study group in Toronto Canada – have a look inside and spread the word.

Grateful thanks to you all for your contributions and making the AQ what it is.  Why not do a little propaganda of your own – if you feel like it, print it off and pass it around.

The Editors

 

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A Quiet Revolution 

by Ann Colburn, “Once Upon a School” http://onceuponaschool.org/stories/232

[An inspiring account of how one person’s work can affect the life chances of many pupils in the critical teenage years at school.  Ed]

I have always been dismayed by the discrepancy between the poor educational opportunities of low-income students in the inner-city in contrast to that of affluent students in private education…

One of the biggest problems for students in inner-city schools is setting goals for after graduation and making a practical plan for reaching those goals.

Far too many students do not make it to graduation and the result is a huge pool of under-educated young people, too many of whom end up stuck in poverty in dead-end jobs or in jail.  I wanted to help inner-city students dream a positive future and create a viable plan to achieve their goals.

What we did

The director of the Academy of Finance (AOF) at Manual Arts High School noticed my work with a few of his students who had been chosen for the One Voice Scholars program. 

He asked if I would be willing to work with his whole class of seniors to enable them to reach goals similar to the One Voice scholars.

He offered me class time in his block schedule to work with the entire class and encouraged me to meet with students one on one to create a plan tailored to each student’s dreams, needs and individual situation.

Manual Arts High School, 4131 S Vermont Ave a few blocks from the ULT in LA, USA.

Manual Arts High School, 4131 S Vermont Ave a few blocks from the ULT in LA, USA.

Each year for the seven years I have worked with the program, I have expanded my understanding of how to help these students succeed. I now reach out to students beginning in 9th grade to help them to see that college and a better life is in their future…

In the larger school, fewer than half of entering freshmen graduate. Of those who do graduate only 15% or so go to college. In the AOF program, 99% graduate and 90% go on to college.

The remaining students enroll in trade programs. One or two have gone into the military.  We have not had to find much funding for our college program, since it is run by volunteers …

In general the AOF students fund-raise constantly for better classroom equipment, textbooks, desks and even a culminating senior trip to Washington DC.

~ End ~

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July-Aug 09 AQ: Degrees of realized knowledge

Posted on August 17, 2009 by | Leave a comment

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Dear Readers

Welcome to this month’s AQ,  and thank you for all your contributions over the summer months.  We start with “Degrees of realized knowledge” - its simple, direct theosophy speaks to the heart.

Have a look what else is inside:

Contemplating “What is War?”  on p 3 … it comes to mind that the coming together of something good with something bad is a very creative moment.

“Oriental Philosophy & Literature” by H.P.Blavatsky p 3, “since human nature is ever identical and as there is but one Absolute Truth,  it is possible to effect a reciprocal alliance for the research of that basic Truth.”

The rival to the Bible, p 6. The scattered parts of what is probably the oldest known Bible are being reunited for the first time. It is markedly different from its modern equivalent. What’s left out?

Solar Plane flies day & night with no fuel, no pollution, p 6. Swiss adventurer Bertrand Piccard has unveiled a prototype of the solar-powered plane he hopes eventually to fly around the world.

The Financial Crisis and the Role of Managers, p 10, a Correspondent writes from Austria on “Understanding the Human Element in Economic Crisis” and the role managers are playing.

Conference opening panel

Conference opening panel

On p 11 there a some early pictures from the ULT Conference in LA and a paragraph on ‘The AQ and you’ and other selections.

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Study class before the conference

Wednesday Study class before the conference

 

 

 

 

 

Wisdom In Action, p 12, has the timeless advice ’Do not try to open up conscious communication with beings on other planes… danger lies that way and because of the power and disposition of the dark forces to simulate beings of Light.’

If you can, please do print off a copy (double sided, if the printer does it) and leave it out for others.  Spread the word, we may only be a few, but “a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump”, or as science has it, ”the hundredth-monkey effect”.

Happy reading,

 

The Editors

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Degrees of realized knowledge

“I have found that doing what comes, with all my heart, mind and strength, in time brought me to another place and opportunity and always to a better advantage.

“I have seen in many the attitude, “I don’t like this,” or, “I must have something better”, lead to perpetual change, dissatisfaction and poor results, invariably. 

an ancient temple

swan by ancient temple

 

“On the other hand, I have seen those whom neither sickness nor any other cause could deter, nor diminish their courage and efforts, gain success, the reason being that no opportunity was overlooked and no effort too great for them.  It was really an unconscious fulfilling of karma on their part. 

“I think students too often regard their personal existence and predilections as one thing, and their student life as another.  It is not so.

“Both are interwoven and interblended at every point.  The student should see clearly that his present existence is his opportunity to live and learn as well as learn to live to the best advantage;  it contains and presents the opportunities which, if rejected, will come before us in one form or another until we realize that a step forward can be taken in no other way than by over-coming obstacles and thus, defects.  How wonderfully and perfectly this works.”    (R Crosbie)

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May-June Supplement: “OLD DIARY LEAVES” – full text of the play

Posted on July 17, 2009 by | 3 Comments

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Venus - the morning and evening star

Venus - the morning and evening star

The Supplement contains the full text of the new play about the  three Theosophical Founders in 1875 – in it William Q Judge is given a leading role with a monologue at the end that finishes:

“Brothers and Sisters… this Society must not fail.  It will not fail. 

As you’ve just heard, we are entering a New Cycle with all the opportunities that it offers! Humanity has a choice; it can either move further down that road to where its goals are wealth, possessions and selfish gratification, or up towards a Golden Age of compassionate love and the true joy that comes from an awareness that none of us are separate but integral parts of the whole of Nature…

So, though many attempts will be made to break our resolve through slander, malice and deliberate distortions of what we are attempting to teach – and, more importantly, to show by the way we live – it is only indifference that can seriously weaken our cause.  

To study what The Masters have given us is a privilege.  What individually you do with that privilege is up to you.

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