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Pablo Sender—Argentina and the USA

Theosophy as Spiritual Practice

Since its inception, the Theosophical Society has been actively engaged in spreading the esoteric philosophy. This knowledge was conveyed to the public primarily by means of informative lectures and written material, a method that worked fairly well in the past. Today, however, we are no longer reaching the public in an effective manner. The causes for this deficiency are complex but include the fact that, during the last forty years or so, our culture has changed in two important ways.

First, during the early decades of the Society, esoteric philosophy was little known in the West, so our organization was the most important source of knowledge about it. People who were looking for a spiritual approach other than the religious one were attracted to these "new" Theosophical ideas. In time, chiefly as a result of the Society's work, the main topics of esoteric philosophy became more and more accepted, and an ever-growing number of organizations were created to promote these ideas. Unfortunately, this later popularization was done at a rather superficial level and did not create a deep understanding of the tenets. Nevertheless, today esoteric philosophy is no longer perceived as a novelty, and the Theosophical Society is seen as one organization among many dedicated to the spreading of these teachings.

Gaspar Torres – Cuba

Living Theosophy is a difficult task in view of the average evolution of humanity. Moreover, we are in a particular cycle, known in India as Kali Yuga, in which the worst conditions for the spiritual life prevail, and the Divine Wisdom, or Theosophy, is left unattended and unknown by the majority of persons.

In The Work of the Theosophical Society, Annie Besant stated: ‘Those who can read the signs of the times will understand the vital importance to the future of Theosophy, of the direction now given to the work of the Theosophical Society. We are treading a cycle similar to that trodden by Christianity in its early centuries,…’ (reprinted in The Theosophist, March 2010). She also pointed out (1) that past efforts of Neoplatonists and Gnostic Christians failed in their task to pass on to a new civilization the fundamental principles that support a faster progress of the Evolutionary Plan; (2) the similar conditions of the present cycle; and (3) the duty of the TS in relation to this situation.

James Colbert—USA

The invitation from your online magazine (Theosophy Forward) to ours (International Theosophy Magazine) for a contribution on the theme "Theosophy as a living force in the world" is itself an expression of living force. It is a connection and unity between Theosophists.

Our magazine stems from its base, called International Theosophical Conferences Inc. or what most now refer to as ITC. It grew from a few students first meeting in a small community along the California-Oregon coast. Although the initial few attendees were associated with the United Lodge of Theosophists, there were soon students coming from almost all Theosophical traditions. The interest was in Theosophy and how Theosophy was integral to the world and our lives. The individual's affiliation or Theosophical tradition became less important. There seemed to be a power in bringing together Theosophical brothers and sisters regardless of tradition.

One of the Masters has indicated that we cannot have the masters' help unless there is unity within and between Theosophists. The living force of Theosophy may first have to come from the power within ourselves, as well as within and between our traditions, which can lead to Theosophy's taking its full place on the world's stage.

How do we do this? Two examples provide an approach. One is from eighteenth-century Tibetan Buddhism, and the other from the lore of Australian Bushmen.

Marie Harkness—Northern Ireland

Ten years ago we entered a new century and a new millennium, the Aquarian Age, no doubt attended by a flux of higher forces and energies. This promises to be an era of noble aspiration and focus and the developing use of higher mind. Life today is moving at a frenetic pace, with greater expectations and ever new advances in science and technology, such as the Web, now providing us with fast and immediate worldwide communication.

For Theosophy to continue as an effective force, we must constantly keep in touch with the initial impetus given at the inception of the Society, of the Masters' strength and full blessing through their instruments H. P. Blavatsky and H. S. Olcott. The precious nuggets given out then are as important to us now as they were then—even more so: first, the realization that "There is no religion higher than truth"; second, the three Objects, which are to be understood and practiced; and third, but especially important, freedom of thought.