Theos-Talk Archives (May 2012 Message tt00033)

HPB writes the following in "The Key to Theosophy":

-----------------------
ENQUIRER. Which system do you prefer or follow, in that case, besides Buddhistic
ethics?

THEOSOPHIST. None, and all. We hold to no religion, as to no philosophy in
particular: we cull the good we find in each. But here, again, it must be stated
that, like all other ancient systems, Theosophy is divided into Exoteric and
Esoteric Sections.

ENQUIRER. What is the difference?

THEOSOPHIST. The members of the Theosophical Society at large are free to
profess whatever religion or philosophy they like, or none if they so prefer,
provided they are in sympathy with, and ready to carry out one or more of the
three objects of the Association. The Society is a philanthropic and scientific
body for the propagation of the idea of brotherhood on practical instead of
theoretical lines. The Fellows may be Christians or Mussulmen, Jews or Parsees,
Buddhists or Brahmins, Spiritualists or Materialists, it does not matter; but
every member must be either a philanthropist, or a scholar, a searcher into
Aryan and other old literature, or a psychic student. In short, he has to help,
if he can, in the carrying out of at least one of the objects of the programme.
Otherwise he has no reason for becoming a "Fellow." Such are the majority of the
exoteric Society, composed of "attached" and "unattached" members. [An "attached
member" means one who has joined some particular branch of the T. S. An
"unattached," one who belongs to the Society at large, has his diploma, from the
Headquarters (Adyar, Madras), but is connected with no branch or lodge.] These
may, or may not, become Theosophists de facto. Members they are, by virtue of
their having joined the Society; but the latter cannot make a Theosophist of one
who has no sense for the divine fitness of things, or of him who understands
Theosophy in his own ? if the expression may be used ? sectarian and egotistic
way. "Handsome is, as handsome does" could be paraphrased in this case and be
made to run: "Theosophist is, who Theosophy does." . . .

ENQUIRER. This applies to lay members, as I understand. And what of those who
pursue the esoteric study of Theosophy; are they the real Theosophists?

THEOSOPHIST. Not necessarily, until they have proven themselves to be such. They
have entered the inner group and pledged themselves to carry out, as strictly as
they can, the rules of the occult body. This is a difficult undertaking, as the
foremost rule of all is the entire renunciation of one's personality ? i. e., a
pledged member has to become a thorough altruist, never to think of himself, and
to forget his own vanity and pride in the thought of the good of his
fellow-creatures, besides that of his fellow-brothers in the esoteric circle. He
has to live, if the esoteric instructions shall profit him, a life of abstinence
in everything, of self-denial and strict morality, doing his duty by all men.
The few real Theosophists in the T. S. are among these members. This does not
imply that outside of the T. S. and the inner circle, there are no Theosophists;
for there are, and more than people know of; certainly far more than are found
among the lay members of the T. S.

ENQUIRER. Then what is the good of joining the so-called Theosophical Society in
that case? Where is the incentive?

THEOSOPHIST. None, except the advantage of getting esoteric instructions, the
genuine doctrines of the "Wisdom-Religion," and if the real programme is carried
out, deriving much help from mutual aid and sympathy. Union is strength and
harmony, and well-regulated simultaneous efforts produce wonders. This has been
the secret of all associations and communities since mankind existed. . . .

. . . . ENQUIRER. But surely those few who have felt the need of such truths
must have made up their minds to believe in something definite? You tell me
that, the Society having no doctrines of its own, every member may believe as he
chooses and accept what he pleases. This looks as if the Theosophical Society
was bent upon reviving the confusion of languages and beliefs of the Tower of
Babel of old. Have you no beliefs in common?

THEOSOPHIST. What is meant by the Society having no tenets or doctrines of its
own is, that no special doctrines or beliefs are obligatory on its members; but,
of course, this applies only to the body as a whole. The Society, as you were
told, is divided into an outer and an inner body. Those who belong to the latter
have, of course, a philosophy, or ? if you so prefer it ? a religious system of
their own.

ENQUIRER. May we be told what it is?

THEOSOPHIST. We make no secret of it. It was outlined a few years ago in the
Theosophist and "Esoteric Buddhism," and may be found still more elaborated in
the "Secret Doctrine." It is based on the oldest philosophy of the world, called
the Wisdom-Religion or the Archaic Doctrine. . . .
---------------------------

Daniel
http://hpb.cc