The Theosophical Path Illustrated Monthly Volume 1, July-December, 1911
Religion
The Theosophical Path Illustrated Monthly Volume 1, July-December, 1911
Theosophy -- Periodicals
Temptation can only tempt where there is lack and longing. One who
has learned how to live in the fulness and richness of the reality
can easily estimate the worth of any imitation, familiar or unknown.
Theosophy does not haggle over theological minutiae. It broadly asserts
that the divine man incarnating becomes dual in nature. Râja Yoga
training confidently challenges the indwelling soul to come forth and
declare itself.
LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF PYTHAGORAS: by F. S. Darrow, A. M., Ph. D. (Harv.)
III. THE TEACHINGS
As Pythagoras met with the immemorial fate of the world's great
teachers, many fantastic distortions of his teachings were published;
some of them, in his name by his enemies, for the express purpose of
bringing his teachings into disrepute; and many things were imputed
to him which he certainly never said or did. Probably he did not
commit any of his teachings to writing, but it is certain that his
disciples memorized his sayings and treasured them as the oracles of
the Deity. He had two forms of teaching: one public or exoteric, and
one private or esoteric. It is noteworthy that wherever his teachings
prevailed, sobriety and temperance displaced licentiousness and luxury,
for the distinguished Pythagoreans were men of great uprightness,
conscientiousness, and self-control, capable of devoted and enduring
friendships.
(a) EXOTERIC TEACHINGS
The public teachings of Pythagoras consisted principally of practical
morals of the purest and most spiritual type and emphasized the virtues
of self-restraint, reverence, patriotism, sincerity, conscientiousness,
uprightness, truth, justice, and purity of heart. He insisted upon
the highest ideals of marriage and of parental duties, and always
exerted his influence to suppress wars and dissensions. He was the
first to apply the term philosopher or lover of wisdom to himself, as a
substitute for the earlier term sage, for he said: "The Deity only is
wise; men at their best are merely lovers of wisdom." He was also the
first to use the word _kosmos_ or "order," as applied to the universe.
He used to say:
Drunkenness is synonymous with ruin.
No one ought to exceed the proper quantity of meat and drink.
Strength of mind depends upon sobriety, for this keeps the reason
undiverted by passion.
In answer to the question, "When may I indulge in the pleasures of
passion?" he replied: "Whenever you wish to be weaker than your _Self_."
Never say or do anything in anger.
Virtue is harmony; health, the Universal Good.
He urged his disciples not to kill animals, because he declared that
they have a right to live, as well as men.
It is the part of a fool to attend to every opinion of all men, above
all to that of the mob.
Do what you believe to be right, whatever people think of you. Despise
alike their censure and their praise.
Add not unto your grief by discontent.
Do not speak few things in many words, but many things in a few words.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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