The Theosophical
Society is composed of students, belonging to any religion
in the world or to none, who are united by their approval of the Society’s
Objects, by their wish to remove religious antagonisms and to draw together
men of goodwill, whatsoever their religious opinions, and by their desire
to study religious truths and to share the results of their studies
with others. Their bond of union is not the profession of a common belief,
but a common search and aspiration for Truth. They hold that Truth should
be sought by study, by reflection, by purity of life, by devotion to
high ideals, and they regard Truth as a prize to be striven for, not
as a dogma to be imposed by authority. They consider that belief should
be the result of individual study or intuition, and not its antecedent,
and should rest on knowledge, not on assertion. They extend tolerance
to all, even to the intolerant, not as a privilege they bestow but as
a duty they perform, and they seek to remove ignorance, not to punish
it. They see every religion as an expression of the Divine Wisdom and
prefer its study to its condemnation, and its practice to proselytism.
Peace is their watchword, as Truth is their aim.
Theosophy is the body of
truths which form the basis of all religions, and which cannot be claimed
as the exclusive possession of any. It offers philosophy which renders
life intelligible, and which demonstrates the justice and the love which
guide its evolution. It puts death in its rightful place, as a recurring
incident in an endless life, opening the gateway to a fuller and more
radiant existence. It restores to the world the Science of the Spirit,
teaching man to know the Spirit as himself and the mind and body as
his servants.
It illuminates the scriptures and doctrines of religions by unveiling
their hidden meanings, and thus justifying them at the bar of intelligence,
as they are ever justified in the eyes of intuition.
Members of the Theosophical
Society study these truths, and theosophists endeavour to live them.
Everyone willing to study, to be tolerant, to aim high, and to work
perseveringly, is welcomed as a member, and it rests with the member
to become a true theosophist.