Theosophical discipline

In Theosophical discipline too one needs the special skills and working knowledge for effective life and work. Even when the goals, and especially the motives, differ for the sacred as against the commercial enterprise, the basics for both pursuits are the same in principle. For instance, any management requires skill in inter-personal relationship, as much as in the art of governing an organization. In U.L.T. groups, "we are dealing with minds, not persons" (The Friendly Philosopher, p. 398). "It is both wise and necessary to have a good comprehension of ways and means, of the processes of dealing with others' minds...that they and we may learn the rules of Soul-warfare."

While the management rules are basic, they differ only in their application according to the moral quality of the goal, i.e., the motive and the work ethics in an organization. The means, the method and the ends must be commensurate in an ethical enterprise. But certain "techniques," as such, are not very different for any system to perform well. After all, leaders like H.P.B., W.Q.J. and Col. Olcott were excellent organizers in their own sphere of work. Of course, in their case, they were guided by intuitive insight into men and their mission.

As for the theosophical endeavours of our era, the aim and the objects are acknowledged by most of the students. It is the means and methods, the attitudes and largely the hidden motives, that create differences of approach and consequences. For a sincere student, the original teachings of Theosophy and the directions given by the Teachers themselves should be adequate as the "guiding light" for the study, application and especially the work.

One need not go to the management consultant!Referring to the original purpose and line of the Theosophical Movement, Mr. Crosbie emphasized the "need to keep the goal ever in sight and mind, never allowing any fogs or clouds to obstruct it. If this is not done, all direction is lost....W.Q.J. said there are two things needed—to hold on firmly, and to have perfect confidence." (Ibid., pp. 33 and 139)