Theos-Talk Archives (June 2000 Message tt00066)

Leon wrote:
> > Please remember that the first Fundamental Proposition in Theosophy is
> > Universal Brotherhood.

Bart replied:
> 	No, it isn't. Nor, for that matter, is it the 1st Object of the
> Theosophical Society (although it is mentioned in the 1st Object).



Below is an extract from a paper by HPB written in 1886, called the
"Original Programme" Manuscript.  HPB begins that paper by stating:

"In order to leave no room for equivocation, the members of the T.S.  have
to be reminded of the origin of the Society in 1875.  Sent to the U.S. of
America in 1873 for the purpose of organising a group of workers on the
psychic plane, two years later the writer received orders from her Master
and Teacher to form the nucleus of a regular Society whose objects were
broadly stated as follows:

1.  Universal Brotherhood;

2.  No Distinction to be made by any member between the races, creeds, or
social positions, but every  member had to be judged and dealt by on his
personal merits;

3.  To study the philosophies of the East - those of India chiefly,
presenting them gradually to the public in various works that would
interpret exoteric religions in the light of esoteric teachings;

4.  To oppose materialism and theological dogmatism in every possible way,
by demonstrating the existence of occult forces unknown to science, in
nature, and the presence of psychic and spiritual powers in man; trying at
the same time to enlarge the views of Spiritualists by showing them that
there are other, many other agencies at work in the production of the
phenomena besides the  "Spirits" of the dead.  Superstition had to be
exposed and avoided; occult forces, BENEFICENT AND MALEFICENT - ever
surrounding us and manifesting their presence in various ways - demonstrated
to the best of our ability.

H.P.Blavatsky
Corres. Secty T.S.
Ostende, Oct 3rd 1886"

[The full manuscript can be found in Collected Writings, Vol VII, pp
145-171: words in caps were italicised in original]


-- THEOSOPHY WORLD -- Theosophical Talk -- theos-talk@theosophy.com

Letters to the Editor, and discussion of theosophical ideas and
teachings. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message consisting of
"subscribe" or "unsubscribe" to theos-talk-request@theosophy.com.