Theos-Talk Archives (April 2012 Message tt00079)

MOSLEM THEOSOPHISTS? - WHY NOT?



There is no reason that there should not be Moslem Theosophists. We only wish that there were more. Theosophy
welcomes those of ALL religious backgrounds or of none. Theosophy is the Universal Solvent which makes sense of the TRUE meaning of ALL religious traditions.


A True student of Theosophy is able to make sense of the different religious traditions and to see how they all fit into the universal plan
for the upliftmet of humanity.


While many who have embraced Theosophy feel they no longer have any need to identify with a particular religious tradition because of their Theosophical understandings, which is fine, there are others who still find meaning and comfort in a particular tradition, which is also fine.


Those who maintain identity with a particular religious tradition do so however from an enlightened Theosophical perspective which transcends the normative teaching of that particular tradition, and may be considered "hetrodox" by their non-theosophical orthodox co-religionists. ( and thats OK).



Because of their unique Theosophical perspectives, religious Theosophists often find themselves marginalized 
and "politely shunned" by the more 
conservative members of their particular religious tradition.
Because of this phenomena religious Theosophists often form specific groups of their own in which they can fellowship with others who share their outlook.



Theosophy is NOT  Anti-Religious,
it has no argument against the True expression of religious sentiment
and divine aspiration. Theosophy does totally reject all forms of dogmatism, authoritarianism, and sectarian expression. The Masters  of Wisdom, and Madamme Blavatsky were totally opposed to the sad state of religious expression that they found predominant at the time,
which distorted the true purpose of 
religion and made it a prison house instead of a gateway to Divinity.



A Theosophical understanding of the Religions provides a forum for the 
development of a Common Ground of 
Harmony among various religious expressions. This can lead to 
interfaith constructive dialogue and engagement.  In fact, Theosophy is
the IDEAL venue for venturing into
Interfaith Dialogue and engagement
if we know how to approach this properly.



We know this as an actual fact because for the past 18 years members of Orlando Lodge have been actively engaged in the Interfaith Community of Central Florida, promoting Interfaith Dialogue and Constructive engagement among the various fatih traditions on a regular basis. 



In order to do these things productively, we ourselves must first be grounded in a thorough
understanding of the basics of Theosophy, and centered in the 
ideal of the ONE LIFE. N.Sri Rams
"Meditation on Life" is an ideal 
practice to develope this "centeredness."


There has been a lot of criticism over the years by non-religious Theosophists who do not really have
this transcendent understanding of Theosophy against such movments as 
The Liberal Catholic Church, The Bharat Samaj,The Co-Masonic Order,
and other Theosophically inspired
activities. These activities do NOT
promote the normative orthodox agendas of the various faiths, but are geared to instill a Theosophical perspective into the different traditions, motivated by our Theosophical Understanding of our Essential Unity.



Theosophy shows that the TRUE Teachings, (not the present distortions) of ALL the religious prophets and teachers are echoing
our understanding of The Ancient Wisdom. 



The "left-brained" intellectuals among us may have a difficult time 
appreciating this perspective, because it really requires a "right -brain" (buddhic) approach to comprehend its value.


Our challenge right now is to become
thoroughly familiar with the Basic Teachings of Theosophy, to become Centered In The Ideal of Unity,      ( again, N. Sri Rams Meditation on Life is an ideal practice.)
And to seek out, and/or create venues for Interfaith engagement.


"The Higher Your Source of Illumination, The Smaller The Shadow You Cast."   --N.Sri Ram



Fraternally;


William Delahunt


----------------------------
William Delahunt has been a member of The Society since 1969, and actively engaged in Theosophical Education since then.
He is a Past President of Orlando Lodge, and currently serves as its Secretary , and Director of The School of Theosophy, Orlando.
<http://www.tso-orlando.org>
-------------------------------