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Key to Theosophy

Mar 25, 2002 01:28 PM
by ramadoss


A newbee recently inquiried of me what Theosophy. Due to time constraints, I directed this person to access the Key, which is in my opinion, a par excellent FAQ on theosophy. When I read the preface again, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am posting it here for anyone interested.
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PREFACE

The purpose of this book is exactly expressed in its title, "THE KEY TO THEOSOPHY," and
needs but few words of explanation. It is not a complete or exhaustive text-book of Theosophy,
but only a key to unlock the door that leads to the deeper study. It traces the broad outlines of the Wisdom Religion, and explains its fundamental principles; meeting, at the same time, the
various objections raised by the average Western enquirer, and endeavouring to present
unfamiliar concepts in a form as simple and in language as clear as possible. That it should
succeed in making Theosophy intelligible without mental effort on the part of the reader, would
be too much to expect; but it is hoped that the obscurity still left is of the thought not of the
language, is due to depth not to confusion. To the mentally lazy or obtuse, Theosophy must
remain a riddle; for in the world mental as in the world spiritual each man must progress by his
own efforts. The writer cannot do the reader's thinking for him, nor would the latter be any the
better off if such vicarious thought were possible. The need for such an exposition as the present has long been felt among those interested in the Theosophical Society and its work, and it is hoped that it will supply information, as free as possible from technicalities, to many whose
attention has been awakened, but who, as yet, are merely puzzled and not convinced.

Some care has been taken in disentangling some part of what is true from what is false in
Spiritualistic teachings as to the post-mortem life, and to showing the true nature of
Spiritualistic phenomena. Previous explanations of a similar kind have drawn much wrath upon
the writer's devoted head; the Spiritualists, like too many others, preferring to believe what is
pleasant rather than what is true, and becoming very angry with anyone who destroys an
agreeable delusion. For the past year Theosophy has been the target for every poisoned arrow of Spiritualism, as though the possessors of a half truth felt more antagonism to the possessors of the whole truth than those who had no share to boast of.

Very hearty thanks are due from the author to many Theosophists who have sent suggestions and questions, or have otherwise contributed help during the writing of this book. The work will be the more useful for their aid, and that will be their best reward. -- H. P. B.




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