Theos-Talk Archives (July 2007 Message tt00374)

Dear all

In light of recent statements and their implications for the 
Theosophy of Madame Blavatsky and her teachers the following may be 
of some interest.

At the time of Madame Blavatsky's death in 1891 the second object 
said nothing about the study of "comparative" religion.

It read:
"To promote the study of Aryan and other Eastern literatures, 
religions, philosophies and sciences, and to demonstrate their 
importance to Humanity."

The implications are obvious. She was to be the "connecting link" 
between "esoteric" Tibetan philosophy, elsewhere described as the 
Aryan, Chaldeo Tibetan tradition, and the Western traditions. 
The passage "...and to demonstrate their importance to Humanity" 
clearly shows that she and her teachers had something specific they 
wanted brought to the West.

This object became diluted only in 1896 when it was changed to read:
"To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and 
science."

This permitted her and their dharma to be compromised by admitting 
all religion and philosophies as equal in value. Whether they are or 
not is a mute point however their wishes were clear.

In fact in 1878 the object read:
"The objects of the Society are various?to acquire an intimate 
knowledge of natural law?study to develop his latent powers?exemplify 
the highest morality and religious aspiration?to make known among 
western nations?facts about oriental religious philosophies?and 
disseminate a knowledge of that pure esoteric system of the archaic 
period, and finally and chiefly, aid in the institution of a 
Brotherhood of Humanity?"

So it can be seen that the later theosophical leaders and decision 
makers in the Adyar Society, including Dr Besant and Bishop 
Leadbeater, changed the object for their own reasons, thereby 
diluting and diverting the real purpose of the original impetus.

It is for each to decide whether this was a wise decision or not and 
what ramifications flowed from it.

Regards
Nigel