Since the splitting of the original theosophical society, various organizations and members have continued to evolve in unique ways, while studying the pure teachings of theosophy. In doing so, they have developed methods of study, ways of learning, insights of understanding, and unique ways of serving humanity, which is their “Genius”, centered on theosophy as given by HPB and her teachers.
Cross Pollination is the sharing of this genius in an attempt to strengthen theosophical bonds between students, thinkers, organizations, and doers around the world in their theosophical service of humanity. Cross Pollination does not mean a diluting or mixing of pure theosophy with false theosophy!
Regarding barriers to true communication and collaborative working together
For many years, there has been a silent resistance to affiliating with theosophists of different traditions for known and unknown reasons. Some of these reasons are due to blind beliefs, assumptions, prejudices, and poorly understood views of the other traditions. The end result is always disunity, hindering solidarity. It is important to dissolve these barriers of non-communication, arising from incorrect information. Therefore ITC encourages meaningful communication, questioning, genuine answering, and a respect for another’s belief system and point of view, as we try to work theosophically together in and for the benefit of the world.
As an example, some of the dialogue needing clarification may involve the of dealing with teachers or authorities of other traditions. After seeing at various conferences that people were perfectly comfortable quoting Einstein or the Bible, we wondered together what could be wrong with quoting writings that are part of different traditions. The preliminary conclusion is that we can do so, as we can with writers outside of our traditions, only if these teachings are in accordance with the teachings of H. P. Blavatsky and the Masters. We also discovered that when we discuss this, instead of avoiding the subject, we learn more about each other, about our traditions and in many cases, it deepens our understanding of the original teachings.
Out of context and without clarifying information there can be no truth determined. What is needed is meaningful communication in the setting of trust. From trusting communication, we can achieve clarification on the points of concern. When we clarify the issues of concern we can compare them to the original teachings to determine what is in line with pure theosophy. Knowing this, we can commit to carry forth the truth of theosophy, holding each other accountable for that truth. By sharing each other’s genius, we can work together as a powerful force in the furtherance of accomplishing the goal of our Great Teachers, carrying forward into the world the great teachings of theosophy.