Theos-Talk Archives (April 2004 Message tt00168)

stevestubbs wrote:
> Two questions: (1) if that is true (and I do not doubt that it is) 
> then why does the ES exist? and (2) how is it that some theosophists 
> are in the ES and others are not? How do they decide who gets in?
>
> I think your answers to both of those will be of general interest to 
> others as well as to me.
As near as I can tell, the current ES is based on the Adepts' 
suggestion that if a group within the TS wanted to live by their 
philosophy, they should form their own group rather than try to impose 
their beliefs on the Theosophical Society (this is a paraphrase; look up 
Anna Kingsford in the Mahatma Letters, and tell me if your 
interpretation differs). As far as I know, anybody who has adopted the 
disciplines of the ES and willing to take the vows can join (I think 
that you have to have been a member of the Theosophical Society for a 
certain amount of time, as well). At least one ES member I know of 
started eating meat on her physician's recommendation, and left the ES 
with no acrimony. On the other hand, the ES in New York City is 
currently pretty much dead; there are, as far as I know, only two ES 
members here.

At least one ES member I know of comes down very hard on any ES member 
who even implies that being an ES member somehow makes one a "better 
Theosophist." The Mahatmas wanted the organizations to be separate, and 
he figures that they must have had a reason.

Bart