The Theosophical Society
Members of the Theosophical Society come from all walks of life and belong to any philosophy or religion, or none. They stand in unity through their acceptance of the three Objects of the Society and their aspiration to learn about the timeless teachings of Theosophy – the Esoteric Wisdom.
Unity lies at the very heart of the theosophical community and inspires the lives of its members towards unselfish service and inner transformation. Divine Wisdom is One - the paths towards it are many.
The word Theosophy is from Greek origin meaning Wisdom of the Gods (theo – of Gods, Sophia – wisdom). It is a word which has been used for many centuries and is also known as the Ageless Wisdom. The Theosophical Society was founded to bring forth this knowledge for our predecessors and for us and for many generations to come. It is the Light which shines through the many coloured lamps of religion. The thread of truth in scriptures, creeds, symbols, myths and rituals.
The Society imposes no beliefs on its members, who are united by a common search for Truth and a desire to learn the meaning and purpose of existence through study, reflection, self-responsibility and self-less service. It jealously guards and promotes freedom of thought and no member may impose their views on any other.
Three Objects of the Theosophical Society
- To form a nucleus of universal Brotherhood without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour.
- To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science.
- To investigate the unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in man.
Seen as revolutionary when it was founded in 1875, the Theosophical Society is part of a worldwide community which promotes an understanding of the spiritual truths which lie behind all religions and has at its foundation an aspiration for universal brotherhood. Joining the Theosophical Society is more than just becoming a member of an organization; it is an opportunity to help bring spiritual light into the world, through self-growth and group work.
Freedom of Thought
As the Theosophical Society has spread far and wide over the world, and as members of all religions have become members of it without surrendering the special dogmas, teachings and beliefs of their respective faiths, it is thought desirable to emphasise 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 a 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 of expression thereof, within the limits of courtesy and consideration for others.
The genuine acceptance of the Three Objects of the Society, is all that is required for membership in the Society, which is founded on the basis of the broadest tolerance and the search for truth. The above official statement should be carefully read and pondered, as it expresses the recognised standpoint of the Society as a whole.
Resolution passed by the General Council of The Theosophical Society in 1924.