Theos-Talk Archives (January 2007 Message tt00014)

Humanity is faced by a range of seemingly insuperable problems: 
uncontrolled population growth, diminishing resources, exploitation of 
one group by another, ancient animosities, passion for revenge, racial 
antagonism, religious prejudice, territorial ambition, destructive use 
of the environment, oppression of women, disregard of the rights of 
others, greed for wealth and power, and so on. In the Theosophical view, 
all these are secondary or derivative problems -- the symptoms of a 
disease. The primary, original problem, the cause of the disease, is the 
illusion of separateness, the notion that we are unconnected, 
independent beings whose particular welfare can be achieved at the 
expense of the general good.

The primary challenge facing humanity is therefore to recognize the 
unity of our species and in turn our ultimate unity with all life in the 
universe. Despite the superficial cultural and genetic differences that 
divide humanity, we are a remarkably homogeneous species -- physically, 
psychologically, intellectually, and spiritually. Biologically, we are a 
single human gene pool, with only minor local variations. 
Psychologically and intellectually, we respond to stimuli in 
fundamentally the same way. Linguistically, behind the surface 
variations of the world's tongues, our underlying language ability is 
remarkably uniform. Spiritually, we have a common origin and a common 
destiny.

Neither is the human species isolated from the rest of life in the 
universe. We are part and parcel of the totality of existence stretching 
from this planet Earth to the farthest reaches of the cosmos in every 
conceivable dimension. When we realize our integral connection with all 
other human beings, with all other life forms, with the most distant 
reaches of space, we will realize that we cannot either harm or help 
another without harming or helping ourselves. We are all one, not as 
metaphor, but as fact.

Individual Theosophists engage in social, political, and charitable 
action as they are moved by their consciences and sense of duty to 
become so engaged. They are urged by the Theosophical tradition to 
realize the concept of Unity in practical responses to the challenges we 
face. Collectively and as Theosophists, however, we do not regard it as 
our special calling to be social, political, or charitable activists. 
Theosophy addresses the cause rather than the symptoms of the human 
disease. Theosophy seeks to make humanity aware -- intellectually, 
affectively, and experientially -- of our unity with one another and 
with the whole universe. From such awareness will flow naturally and 
inevitably a respect for differences, a wise use of the environment, the 
fair treatment of others, a sympathy with the afflictions of our 
neighbors, and the will to respond to those afflictions helpfully and 
lovingly.
excerpt from the essay /A Portrait of Theosophy /by John Algeo

http://origin.org/ucs/doc.cfm?e=1&ps=2&edit=1&fg=3176&fi=1124