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H. P. Blavatsky
and
H. S. Olcott
The Theosophical
Society is composed of students, belonging to any
religion in the world or to none, who are united by their
approval of the Society’s Objects, by their wish to remove
religious antagonism and to draw together men of goodwill
whatsoever their religious opinions, and by their desire to
study religious truths and to share the results of their studies
with others.
Their bond of union is not the profession
of a common belief, but a common search and aspiration for
Truth. They hold that Truth should be sought by study, by
reflection, by purity of life, by devotion to high ideals,
and they regard Truth as a prize to be striven for, not as
dogma to be imposed by authority. They consider that belief
should be the result of individual study or intuition, and
not its antecedent, and should rest on knowledge, not on assertion.
They extend tolerance to all even to the
intolerant, not as a privilege they bestow but as duty they
perform, and they seek to remove ignorance, not punish it.
They see every religion as an expression of the Divine Wisdom
and prefer its study to its condemnation, and its practice
to proselytism. Peace is their watchword, as Truth is their
aim.
Members of the Theosophical Society study these truths, and
Theosophists endeavour to live them. Everyone willing to study,
to be tolerant, to aim high, and to work perseveringly, is
welcomed as a member, and it rests with the member to become
a true Theosophist.
In 1882, the International Headquarters of
the Society were established in Adyar, Chennai, India. Today
branches of the Theosophical Society exist in more than sixty
countries.
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FREEDOM
OF THOUGHT
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As the Theosophical
Society has spread far and wide over the world, and
as member of all religions have become members of
it without surrendering the special dogmas, teaching
and beliefs of their respective faiths, it is thought
desirable to emphasize the fact that there is no doctrine,
no opinion, by whomsoever taught or held, that is
in any way binding on any member of the Society, none
which any member is not free to accept or reject.
Approval of
its three Objects is the sole condition of membership.
No teacher, or writer, from H.P. Blavatsky onwards,
has any authority to impose his or her teachings or
opinions on members. Every member has an equal right
to follow any school of thought, but has no right
to force the choice on any other.
Neither
candidate for any office nor any voter can be rendered
ineligible to stand or to vote, because of any opinion
held, or because of membership in any school of thought.
Opinions or beliefs neither bestow privileges nor
inflict penalties. The Members of the General Council
earnestly request every member of the Theosophical
Society to maintain, defend and act upon these fundamental
principles of the Society, and also fearlessly to
exercise the right of liberty of thought and expression
thereof, within the limits of courtesy and consideration
for others.
(Text of a Resolution passed by the General Council of the Theosophical Society).
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