Living Theosophy – How can we make Theosophy a Living Force in our World?

John Algeo – USA

Four Ways of Living Theosophy

This series has called forth a large number of excellent responses. Most of them, in one way or another, have said quite truly that Theosophy will be a living force only to the extent that we live according to Theosophical teachings. Little, if anything, can be added to that truth—except, perhaps, for one detail. And that detail is to specify how, in particular, we can live Theosophy.

Certain particulars are obvious, to be sure, from the Society’s three objects. If we are to form a nucleus of universal brotherhood, we must act in a brotherly way toward others: the brotherliness of Castor and Pollux (in which one lays down his life for the other), not that of Cain and Abel (in which one takes the life of the other). If we are to encourage the comparative study of religion, philosophy, and science, we must not be anti-intellectual and it helps to know a bit about those subjects. If we are to investigate unexplained laws and latent powers, we must know what those laws are about, what the powers control, and how to investigate them sensibly and safely.

Living Theosophy – How can we make Theosophy a Living Force in our World?

Jan Nicolaas Kind – Brazil

 

Our wonderful, magnificent, and ever-intriguing planet is a blue wonder indeed. Looking at Mother Earth from outer space is a breathtaking experience. Looking at our planet, from the outside in, leaves us with the impression that all seems to be so coherent. There are no borders, no divisions, with the continents warmly embracing one another. And, above all, everything we observe has this splendor. All appears to be so interwoven, peaceful, and majestic.

Earth is the third planet from the sun and is, in diameter, the fifth largest in the solar system. Like a gigantic space craft, it is moving — in sacred communion with the other planets — through space at the vertiginous speed of 72,360 km (some 44,962 miles) per hour toward the constellation of Hercules, while the Milky Way, of which our solar system is a part, is moving toward the constellation of Leo at about 2,160,000 km (some 1,342,161 miles) per hour. Also the earth and its satellite moon move together in an orbit around the sun. All these many movements are made in perfect harmony at incomprehensible speeds. All that exists functions in sacred communion.

Living Theosophy – How can we make Theosophy a Living Force in our World?

Dolores Gago – Uruguay


The Theosophical Society was founded during a period of risky materialism on one side and a dangerous inclination to dogmatism on the other. In many associations the very name of the institution states more or less clearly the work its members are expected to do. Curiously enough the word “Theosophy” is not included in the Society’s Objects, and furthermore those Objects are stated as “declared objects.” This makes us wonder  whether the purpose of the Society is some kind of unveiling or discovery as a result of the sincerity of commitment the member decides to offer.

Living Theosophy – How can we make Theosophy a Living Force in our World?

Nelda Samarel – USA

 


I am quite certain that nothing new, nothing that already has not been said, is being added in response to this question. However, it is quite instructive for each of us to ask this question of ourselves, to ponder upon it, and to make whatever adjustments in our lives that may be a natural outcome of our query. And so I am grateful for the opportunity to ponder upon this question, essential for every true Theosophist.

Prior to attempting to state how we may make Theosophy a living force in the world, it is helpful to first define our terms. What is meant by “Theosophy”?  Theosophy is a word, a doctrine, and a way of life. As a word, it simply means “wisdom of the Gods,” or “divine wisdom.” As a doctrine, Theosophy offers a unique body of knowledge which, when studied and understood, assists us in making sense of the universe and of our place in it.

Living Theosophy – How can we make Theosophy a Living Force in our World?

Navin B. Shah – Kenya

The motto of the Nairobi Lodge of the Theosophical Society in East and Central Africa, which is prominently displayed in its meeting hall, is “Living an exemplary life based on Theosophical values.”

The Theosophical Society’s emblem has the following words inscribed below it: ‘There is no Religion Higher than Truth’. All our actions should be based on ethical values where Truth is the highest goal. Honesty, integrity, commitment, and dedication to work are the hallmarks of a true Theosophist. Theosophy, though not a religion, embraces all religions. Madam Blavatsky clearly stated that Theosophy is not a religion; it is religion itself, that is, the essence of all religions. If the first object of the Theosophical Society, based on universal brotherhood, is truly practiced, it has the capacity of building a just world free from all limitations of outer differences.