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ALTRUISM, THE ESSENCE OF THEOSOPHY

The power to know does not come from book-study nor from mere philosophy, but mostly from the actual practice of altruism in deed, word, and thought; for that practice purifies the covers of the soul and permits that light to shine down into the brain-mind. As the brain-mind is the receiver in the waking state, it has to be purified from sense-perception,  and the truest way to do this is by combining philosophy with the highest outward and  inward virtue.

H. P. Blavatsky, Conversations on Occultism

For real Theosophy IS ALTRUISM, and we cannot repeat it too often. It is brotherly love, mutual help, unswerving devotion to Truth. If once men do but realize that in these alone can true happiness be found, and never in wealth, possessions, or any selfish gratification, then the dark clouds will roll away, and a new humanity will be born upon earth. Then, the GOLDEN AGE will be there, indeed.

H.P. Blavatsky, Our Cycle and the Next

It is esoteric philosophy alone, the spiritual and psychic blending of man with Nature, that, by revealing fundamental truths, can bring that much desired mediate state between the two extremes of human Egotism and divine Altruism, and finally lead to the alleviation of human suffering.

By a Master of the Wisdom

Altruism, from ‘Alter’, other. A quality opposed to Egoism. Actions tending to do good to others, regardless of self.

Theosophical Glossary

Spheres of influence can be found everywhere. The first object of the T.S. is philanthropy. The true Theosophist is a philanthropist — ‘not for himself but for the world he lives’. This, and philosophy, the right comprehension of life and its mysteries, will give the ‘necessary basis’ and show the right path to pursue.

Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom

“He who does not practise altruism; he who is not prepared to share his last morsel with a weaker or poorer than himself; he who neglects to help his brother man, of whatever race, nation, or creed, whenever and wherever he meets suffering, and who turns a deaf ear to the cry of human misery; he who hears an innocent person slandered, whether a brother Theosophist  or not, and does not undertake his defence as he would undertake his own – is no Theosophist.”

         Quoted by H. P. Blavatsky in Lucifer, November 1887

It is only when we become aware of our self-centredness, of the nature of our personal reactions to people, events and ideas, that the mind can come out of its enclosures to a state of perfect freedom in itself.

                                    N. Sri Ram, Thoughts for Aspirants (Second Series)

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