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

"Enq:  Have you any prohibitory laws or clauses for Theosophists in your Society?   Theo:  Many, but alas! none of them are enforced. They express the ideal of our organization - but the practical application of such things we are compelled to leave to the discretion of the Fellows themselves.   Unfortunately, the state of [...]

"Enq:  But all this literature, to the spread of which you attach so much importance, does not seem to me of much practical use in helping mankind. This is not practical charity.   Theo:  We think otherwise. We hold that a good book which gives people food for thought, which strengthens and clears their minds, [...]

"Enq:  How do you expect the Fellows of your Society to help in the work?   Theo:  First by studying and comprehending the theosophical doctrines, so that they may teach others, especially the young people.   Secondly, by taking every opportunity of talking to others and explaining to them what Theosophy is, and what it [...]

"Enq:   And yet its enemies are very numerous, and every day Theosophy acquires new opponents.   Theo:  And this is precisely that which proves its intrinsic excellence and value. People hate only things they fear, and no one goes out of his way to overthrow that which neither threatens nor rises beyond mediocrity.   [...]

"Enq:  But this contentedness, which you praise so much, would do away with all motive for exertion and bring progress to a stand-still.   Theo:  And we, Theosophists, say that your vaunted progress and civilization are no better than a host of will-o'-the-wisps, flickering over a marsh which exhales a poisonous and deadly miasma.   [...]

"Enq:  And you think that Theosophy would, by stepping in, help to remove these evils, under the practical and adverse conditions of our modern life?   Theo:  Had we more money, and had not most of the Theosophists to work for their daily bread, I firmly believe we could.   Enq:  How? Do you expect [...]

"Enq:  But surely every one knows that millions and millions are spent annually on private and public charities?   Theo:  Oh, yes; half of which sticks to the hands it passes through before getting to the needy; while a good portion or remainder gets into the hands of professional beggars, those who are too lazy [...]

"Enq:  How do you Theosophists regard the Christian duty of charity?   Theo:  What charity do you mean? Charity of mind, or practical charity in the physical plane?   Enq:  I mean practical charity, as your idea of Universal brotherhood would include, of course, charity of mind.   Theo:  Then you have in your mind [...]

"Enq:  But suppose a member of your Society should plead inability to practice altruism by other people, on the ground that "charity begins at home"; urging that he is too busy, or too poor, to benefit mankind or even any of its units - what are your rules in such a case?   Theo:  no [...]

"Enq:  If such are our duties to humanity at large, what do you understand by our duties to our immediate surroundings?   Theo:  Just the same, plus those that arise from special obligations with regard to family ties.   Enq:  Then it is not true, as it is said, that no sooner does a man [...]