Chapter XXI: Conclusion: The Future of the Theosophical Society

ENQ. Tell me, what do you expect for Theosophy in the future?

THEO. If you speak of THEOSOPHY, I answer that, as it has existed
eternally throughout the endless cycles upon cycles of the Past,
so it will ever exist throughout the infinitudes of the Future,
because Theosophy is synonymous with EVERLASTING TRUTH.

ENQ. Pardon me; I meant to ask you rather about the prospects of the
Theosophical Society.

THEO. Its future will depend almost entirely upon the degree of
selflessness, earnestness, devotion, and last, but not least, on
the amount of knowledge and wisdom possessed by those members on
whom it will fall to carry on the work, and to direct the Society
after the death of the Founders.

ENQ. I quite see the importance of their being selfless and devoted,
but I do not quite grasp how their _knowledge_ can be as vital
a factor in the question as these other qualities. Surely the
literature which already exists, and to which constant additions
are still being made, ought to be sufficient?

THEO. I do not refer to technical knowledge of the esoteric doctrine,
though that is most important; I spoke rather of the great
need which our successors in the guidance of the Society will
have of unbiased and clear judgment. Every such attempt as the
Theosophical Society has hitherto ended in failure, because,
sooner or later, it has degenerated into a sect, set up
hard-and-fast dogmas of its own, and so lost by imperceptible
degrees that vitality which living truth alone can impart. You
must remember that all our members have been bred and born in some
creed or religion, that all are more or less of their generation
both physically and mentally, and consequently that their
judgment is but too likely to be warped and unconsciously biased
by some or all of these influences. If, then, they cannot be
freed from such inherent bias, or at least taught to recognise it
instantly and so avoid being led away by it, the result can only
be that the Society will drift off on to some sandbank of thought
or another, and there remain a stranded carcass to moulder and die.

ENQ. But if this danger be averted?

THEO. Then the Society will live on into and through the twentieth
century. It will gradually leaven and permeate the great mass of
thinking and intelligent people with its large-minded and noble
ideas of Religion, Duty, and Philanthropy. Slowly but surely
it will burst asunder the iron fetters of creeds and dogmas,
of social and caste prejudices; it will break down racial and
national antipathies and barriers, and will open the way to the
practical realisation of the Brotherhood of all men. Through its
teaching, through the philosophy which it has rendered accessible
and intelligible to the modern mind, the West will learn to
understand and appreciate the East at its true value. Further, the
development of the psychic powers and faculties, the premonitory
symptoms of which are already visible in America, will proceed
healthily and normally. Mankind will be saved from the terrible
dangers, both mental and bodily, which are inevitable when that
unfolding takes place, as it threatens to do, in a hot-bed of
selfishness and all evil passions. Man’s mental and psychic
growth will proceed in harmony with his moral improvement, while
his material surroundings will reflect the peace and fraternal
goodwill which will reign in his mind, instead of the discord and
strife which is everywhere apparent around us to-day.

ENQ. A truly delightful picture! But tell me, do you really expect all
this to be accomplished in one short century?

THEO. Scarcely. But I must tell you that during the last quarter of
every hundred years an attempt is made by those “Masters,” of
whom I have spoken, to help on the spiritual progress of Humanity
in a marked and definite way. Towards the close of each century
you will invariably find that an outpouring or upheaval of
spirituality—or call it mysticism if you prefer—has taken place.
Some one or more persons have appeared in the world as their
agents, and a greater or less amount of occult knowledge and
teaching has been given out. If you care to do so, you can trace
these movements back, century by century, as far as our detailed
historical records extend.

ENQ. But how does this bear on the future of the Theosophical Society?

THEO. If the present attempt, in the form of our Society, succeeds
better than its predecessors have done, then it will be in
existence as an organized, living and healthy body when the time
comes for the effort of the XXth century. The general condition
of men’s minds and hearts will have been improved and purified
by the spread of its teachings, and, as I have said, their
prejudices and dogmatic illusions will have been, to some extent
at least, removed. Not only so, but besides a large and accessible
literature ready to men’s hands, the next impulse will find a
numerous and _united_ body of people ready to welcome the new
torch-bearer of Truth. He will find the minds of men prepared for
his message, a language ready for him in which to clothe the new
truths he brings, an organization awaiting his arrival, which will
remove the merely mechanical, material obstacles and difficulties
from his path. Think how much one, to whom such an opportunity is
given, could accomplish. Measure it by comparison with what the
Theosophical Society actually _has_ achieved in the last fourteen
years, without _any_ of these advantages and surrounded by hosts
of hindrances which would not hamper the new leader. Consider
all this, and then tell me whether I am too sanguine when I say
that if the Theosophical Society survives and lives true to
its mission, to its original impulses through the next hundred
years—tell me, I say, if I go too far in asserting that earth will
be a heaven in the twenty-first century in comparison with what it
is now!

FINIS.

The United Lodge of Theosophists

DECLARATION

The policy of this Lodge is independent devotion to the cause
of Theosophy, without professing attachment to any Theosophical
organization. It is loyal to the great Founders of the Theosophical
Movement, but does not concern itself with dissensions or differences
of individual opinion.

The work it has on hand and the end it keeps in view are too absorbing
and too lofty to leave it the time or inclination to take part in side
issues. That work and that end is the dissemination of the Fundamental
Principles of the philosophy of Theosophy, and the exemplification
in practice of those principles, through a truer realization of the
SELF; a profounder conviction of Universal Brotherhood.

It holds that the unassailable _Basis for Union_ among Theosophists,
wherever and however situated, is “_similarity of aim, purpose and
teaching_,” and therefore has neither Constitution, By-laws nor
Officers, the sole bond between its Associates being that _basis_. And
it aims to disseminate this idea among Theosophists in the furtherance
of Unity.

It regards as Theosophists all who are engaged in the true service
of Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, condition or
organization, and

It welcomes to its association all those who are in accord with its
declared purposes and who desire to fit themselves, by study and
otherwise, to be the better able to help and teach others.

“_The true Theosophist belongs to no cult or sect, yet belongs to each
and all._”

* * * * *

Being in sympathy with the purposes of this Lodge, as set
forth in its “Declaration,” I hereby record my desire to
be enrolled as an Associate; it being understood that such
association calls for no obligation on my part other than
that which I, myself, determine.

The foregoing is the Form signed by Associates of the United Lodge of
Theosophists.

Inquiries are invited from all persons to whom this Movement may
appeal. Cards for signature will be sent upon request, and every
possible assistance furnished Associates in their studies and in
efforts to form local Lodges. There are no dues of any kind, and no
formalities to be complied with.

_Correspondence should be addressed to_
General Registrar, United Lodge of Theosophists
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
504 Metropolitan Building, Broadway at Fifth Street

“_To Spread Broadcast the Teachings of Theosophy, as Recorded
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THE VOICE OF THE SILENCE. Chosen Fragments
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