Category: The Key To Theosophy (1889): H. P. Blavatsky

"Enq:  Now to another question; must a man marry or remain a celibate?   Theo:  It depends on the kind of man you mean. If you refer to one who intends to live in the world, one who, even though a good, earnest Theosophist, and an ardent worker for our cause, still has ties and [...]

"Enq:   Then you do not adopt all the arguments which vegetarians in general are in the habit of using?   Theo:  Certainly not. Some of their arguments are very weak, and often based on assumptions which are quite false. But, on the other hand, many of the things they say are quite true.   For [...]

"Enq:  I see, you regard only moral asceticism as necessary. It is as a means to an end, that end being the perfect equilibrium of the inner nature of man, and the attainment of complete mastery over the body with all its passions and desires?   Theo:  Just so. But these means must be used [...]

"Enq:  I have heard people say that your rules require all members to be vegetarians, celibates, and rigid ascetics; but you have not told me anything of that sort yet. Can you tell me the truth once for all about this?   Theo:  The truth is that our rules require nothing of the kind. The [...]

"Enq:  Your position does not seem to me a very enviable one.   Theo:  It is not, But don't you think that there must be something very noble, very exalted, very true, behind the Society and its philosophy, when the leaders and the founders of the movement still continue to work for it with all [...]

"Enq:  Admitting yourself that there is at least as much, if not more, backbiting, slandering, and quarreling in the T.S. as in the Christian Churches, let alone Scientific Societies - What kind of Brotherhood is this? I may ask.   Theo:  A very poor specimen, indeed, as at present, and, until carefully sifted and reorganized, [...]

"Enq:  But, to return to slander, where is the line of demarcation between backbiting and just criticism to be drawn? Is it not one's duty to warn one's friend and neighbors against those whom one knows to be dangerous associates?   Theo:  If by allowing them to go on unchecked other persons may be thereby [...]

"Enq:  But what makes these people turn against the Society?   Theo:  Wounded vanity in some form or other, almost in every case. Generally, because their dicta and advice are not taken as final and authoritative; or else, because they are of those who would rather reign in Hell than serve in Heaven. Because, in [...]

"Enq:  Is it the duty of every member to teach others and preach Theosophy?   Theo:  It is indeed. No fellow has a right to remain idle, on the excuse that he knows too little to teach. For he may always be sure that he will find others who know still less than himself. And [...]

"Enq:  What are the other negative clauses?   Theo:  No Theosophist ought to be contented with an idle or frivolous life, doing no real good to himself and still less to others. He should work for the benefit of the few who need his help if he is unable to toil for Humanity, and thus [...]