AE in the Irish TheosophistRussell, George William
Religion
AE in the Irish Theosophist
Russell, George William
Theosophy
Thus we see that the antecedents of all action include intelligence
as an active power: and Ethics, more particularly Theosophical
Ethics, are seen to have practical value, and not merely a
speculative interest.
Having digressed thus far from my subject, the point to which I
proceed to address myself is, the working out on the individual of
the system of which I have tried to shadow forth the greater truths.
The first class I will deal with are the indifferent. To them,
Theosophy presents the widest possible field of, and reasons for,
activity that can be desired. It shows that no action is without
its direct permanent result, and that consequently the position of
the indifferent is absolutely untenable. No one who has studied
Theosophical literature can ever find there a justification for
mere laissez-faire. It points out the enormous value of what we
call trifles, and the comparatively trifling value of what the
indifferent would take most note. Theosophy always insists on
action in some direction, preferably conscious, well-directed action,
with pure motive.
The Agnostic is, as it were, Theosophy's special care--It shows
him at once the directions in which further, fuller, and greater
knowledge of every branch of science or philosophy can be gained.
It says to him "pursue your previous method of inquiry, and remember,
taking nothing for granted, do not accept other's authority. Seek
for knowledge: we can only point the way we have ourselves gone.
Investigate every nook and corner of your mind, and learn how to
control it and your sense perceptions. Then you will no longer
mistrust your results as possibly imperfect, but you will have
attained to some closer contact with Truth." To both the Agnostic
and the indifferent, the study of Theosophy will bring a consciousness
of the responsibility towards others, which is the basis of our
universal brotherhood. It will tend to remove the personal element
which has hitherto done so much to cloud and obscure one's
investigations; and it will gradually lead to the elimination of
the anxiety as to results, which will bring us (by the removal of
remorse or approval) to calmness of mind, in which condition great
work can be achieved.
The appeal of theosophy to the scientific investigator is practically
identical with the last. It will show him what so many of his
confreres are more or less tacitly recognizing, that the hopeless
and soul-deadening belief of the Materialist (that all the growth
of the race, the struggling towards a higher life, the aspirations
towards virtue shall absolutely vanish, and leave no trace), is a
crushing mental burden which leads to absolute negation; it will
show the spiritual nature of man in perfect consistence with the
true theories, and as dependent on fundamental laws and causes.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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