tktt: Theosophists And Members Of The “T.S.”

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

 
Theo:  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.

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

 
Theo:  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.”

 
H. P. Blavatsky