Living Theosophy - Mary Anderson
Mary Anderson – England
‘Living Theosophy’, as Dr Algeo has pointed out, can be interpreted in two ways: as Theosophy that is alive and as living in a Theosophical way.
Could we say that it is up to us to keep Theosophy alive and a living force by living it?
When we think or speak of making Theosophy a living force in our world, does ‘we’ mean the Theosophical Society or the members in general, or is this question addressed to each one of us? After all, the Society is not an abstraction but is made up of its members, and moreover all members are free to make their own decisions on how to make Theosophy a living force in their lives. Yet, if we are serious, our decisions as Theosophists – and also our actions and our whole attitude – will be based spontaneously on what the Theosophical philosophy means to us personally.
If we have understood Theosophical teachings – each of us after our own fashion and in all seriousness – our lives will be affected. Indeed, Theosophy is a philosophy, a teaching, but it is also a way of life in the light of that teaching.
We are all different individuals and our understanding of Theosophy may also differ in some respects, but what is important is that, if we are serious, Theosophy should spontaneously become ‘a living force’ in our lives. That living force will at times be felt by others.
If we look back on our first encounters with Theosophy, perhaps it was an article or a book that awakened our interest. But for many of us it may not have been the teachings in themselves that first awakened our interest – indeed perhaps awakened memories of something familiar (‘rang a bell’). It may rather have been an encounter with a Theosophist who was inspired by, and did his or her best to live according to, Theosophical principles, without wishing to impose them in any way on others.
Our title seems to imply that, if we are able actually to live Theosophy, we are on the way to make it a living force in our world. So, what kind of living is living Theosophy? Whether we understand Theosophy as a world view that gives meaning and purpose to life, as an Ageless or Ancient Wisdom about life, or as a way of life, we are dealing with life itself.
Theosophy – the Divine Wisdom teachings – offers real hope and a way through the troubled times we are now experiencing on planet Earth. The study and teaching of Theosophy is a prime motivation for many Theosophists and Theosophical groups. This is important work. However, it is only one part of the work.
Dear fellow Theosophists, the time has come when we must set a very bold vision for the future of Theosophy in the Philippines, namely to make Theosophy part of the mainstream of our national life.