About the TAT Foundation

A non-profit organization founded by Richard Rose to
provide a forum for friendship and the spiritual search.

 

The TAT Foundation came about as a result of the life of Richard Rose. It was his dream to form an organization grounded in what he found so little of in his years of searching: sincerity and true perspective. TAT—Truth and Transmission—was founded on the conviction that our investigation of life's mysteries is expedited by working with others who are exploring, perhaps down a different road, so that we may share our discoveries, exchange ideas, and "compare notes" in order to come to a better understanding of our self and others (see Ladder Work below). View a listing of local meetings sponsored by individual members in various locations.

While TAT has no dogma or creed, it does have a core viewpoint. These core values were eloquently described by one of the founding and still-active members as follows:

  The search for Truth and Self-definition through self-inquiry and...

  Honest and open discussion of the ways and means for accomplishing this among friends and fellow seekers.

Richard Rose described his vision for TAT in soaring language in The Grand Work of the TAT Society. See the October 2001 and November 2001 TAT Forums.

TAT Membership

TAT is a non-profit, tax-exempt, 100%-volunteer organization established in 1973 to provide a forum for philosophical and spiritual inquiry. We are committed to keeping the teaching of Richard Rose alive and available without charge. His unique, common-sense approach to the spiritual search is of value to all. We gather for TAT events four times each year, and there are study groups in various cities where the philosophic, the spiritual, and the scientific can meet on equal ground. TAT members also meet informally during occasional retreats throughout the year.

TAT membership provides an opportunity for finding and sharing the inspiration to continue our searches through discussion of our successes and setbacks with fellow-seekers.

  A membership fee of $40 per person per calendar year includes discounted registration fees for TAT's public events as well as discounted merchandise.

  Membership payments are due at least 30 days before events to qualify for discounted registration fees.

  One membership covers husband and wife.

  A lifetime membership is available for $500.

  A $20 associate membership is available for those who are unable to attend events but wish to receive our newsletter (use the "contribution" option below). Merchandise discounts are unavailable to associate members.

Nonmembers may apply $20 of their events registration fee toward an annual membership.

us if you have questions about fees. Or write:

Your donations directly support the services that TAT provides. No member receives any compensation or even reimbursement for personal expenses. TAT is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization and qualifies to receive tax-deductible contributions. If you wish to mail your donation, please us for mailing instructions.

You can use the "Make a Donation" button to purchase a membership as a gift for someone else. Include a note in PayPal's message box with the person's name and contact information.

Who Are The Members?

TAT is non-sectarian and non-denominational, and there are no secret oaths, dogmas, or rituals. Its membership, open to all of serious intent, from all walks of life, is united in the friendship of dialogue and fellowship of the human spirit. Members, who are both newcomers and "long timers," represent all adult age groups and a fairly ubiquitous slice of society—scientists, teachers, students, business owners, householders, men and women in various trades, and many more. While members are located in several areas of the world, most live in the eastern United States. Many members are former students of Richard Rose.

TAT welcomes all inquirers, adventurers of the mind, and seekers of truth, knowledge, the self, and the unknown to meet others of like interest. All are on equal ground at TAT.

Ladder Work

Richard Rose believed that progress in the spiritual search was linked to one's efforts at helping others. His vision for TAT was a circle of friends with no head who would give and receive help in the spiritual quest. He coined the term Law of the Ladder to describe the levels he observed among those seeking ultimate answers to questions about the source of life and what lies beyond death. That law comprises the view that we can only effectively help, or be helped by, others who are on the same or adjacent rungs of the ladder.

While he disliked organizational structures, he also recognized the potential value that such a structure had as a vehicle for magnifying the matrix of the ladder. He coined the term Contractor's Law to describe the "extra-proportional returns" realized when a group of people combine efforts in a common cause.

On these twin ideas, the TAT Foundation was created almost 40 years ago to serve as a vehicle for ladder work that would survive any one person or group of students. Richard Rose believed strongly in "giving back" and "passing it on," and the existence today of the TAT Foundation is a living testimony to the vector he established, to the collective vector of his students, past and current, and to the power of the ladder itself.

TAT welcomes your questions! us to learn more about the TAT Foundation or Richard Rose and his philosophy. We'll also let you know if there are any TAT members in your area in case you'd like to contact them.