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Letter 16 -- Group Service Fri. Oct. 22, 1976–1:10 p.m. To Our Dear Blessing Spirits: As We now have talked of individual Service, let Us move into a discussion on group Service. You people take your Lodge meetings so lightly, while there is so much that can be done as a whole. Let Us refer back to the Message We gave you concerning the Eternal Spirit Sanctuary. Remember We asked that you make the following prayer: 1. That you leave your daily cares outside for the entire meeting. 2. That you may be led and guided by the Brothers and your Eternal Spirit as to the contribution you will make that evening to your brothers and sisters and to yourself. 3. That you may be guided by the Brothers and your Eternal Spirit as to the way in which you will thence go forth and Love and lift the world. It is this last prayer that We wish to address at this time. Are you aware of the times We have tried to impress upon you as a group certain tasks We need to have done? But either you turn it down due to laziness or an inner feeling that others will not respond to what you have to say. ‘Close not your ears to Our whisperings O Dear Ones, for We have Plans that will engulf your Spirit into the Joy of Serving Him in the enlightenment of others.’ We have much to say, but oh too few listen. As a group We know that you can serve the Society more fully. What We propose for you now is called ‘Inter-Lodge Learning’. As a group chose a particular topic on Theosophical material upon which all of you agree. This is to be followed by an organization of research with each member doing their part. Of course this will be begun by the President. There will more than likely be a need to contact the Library for reference books, etc. which will increase your knowledge as to the vast amount of wisdom contained there. Work together as a team as you study and compile the gathered material–you will become close with one another and understanding will exist between your Hearts and Souls. This will be a Joy unto Us as we see your coming together in unison of purpose. If there are just a few doing all of the work, then is it not time to call a ‘United Lands of Light Service?’ When the studies have been brought together, discussed, revised, etc., it is to be sent in completed form to your National Education Dept., or Library whichever suits best–where it is to be placed in the ‘Inter-Lodge Learning’ section. In each Theosophical Magazine We ask that the readers be informed of any new study that has come in from any particular Lodge. This is to encourage other Lodges to then request this material for reading and discussion at their meetings. This can also be used in the developing of public lectures by presenting your group’s studies and that of others. Once a year or more if called for, a list naming the Studies are to be sent out to all Lodges for their use. Eventually We ask that this list also be made available to Lodges all over the world. It will then be an ‘International Lodge Learning Center.’ We cannot encourage you enough to support your fellow Lodges and the work they have done for you–by obtaining each study as it appears. It is also requested that you then contact that Lodge with comment and appreciation. When as a group you do compile such a study, do not always choose a topic that is easiest to research, but seek your adventure in areas that may be somewhat unfamiliar and yes–even strange. For expanding the Mind and Vision of the unknown creates a Heart that has no fears or insecurities. Create your study with Heart, imagination and sensitivity–above al–don’t copy material from books without building in a sense of understanding of what it says and how it is applied to one’s own growth. ‘For what is wisdom if She is left to fade on a written page without understanding of the Heart.’ It is advised that your Lodge moves together in such a study not less than once every two years. And it matters not if your studies are the same as or if they overlap that being done in another Lodge–for when Minds and Hearts come together their Souls influence what is created in a way separate from others. And too there is a continued expansion of consciousness on all matters from Us to you–so that as each study is made on a subject–it will be approached and given birth to on a new and higher level. ‘Wisdom does not stand still Our Friends–She moves as swiftly as the Sound of His Voice across the nations of all men. Accept Her and She will never let you stand motionless.’ Then grow together, learn together, study together and become Wise together in the fraternity of all Lodges across the world. |