Theos-Talk Archives (March 2002 Message tt00441)

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.