Theosophy

A monthly magazine devoted to the promulgation of Theosophy as it was given by those who brought it.

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IS NO RELIGION HIGHER THAN T

The Parent Theosophical Society was formed at New York, U. S. A., in 1875, by H. P. Blavatsky, with whom were associated William Q. Judge, Henry S. Olcott, and others.

The defined Objects of the Society were as follows:

I. To form a nucleus of a Universal Brotherhood of Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or color. II. The study of ancient and modern religions, philosophies and sciences, and the demonstration of the importance of such study; and

III. The investigation of the unexplained laws of nature and the psychical powers latent in man.

Assent to the First Object only was obligatory on the part of all Fellows, the other Objects being subsidiary and optional.

Good Karma is that which is pleasing to the Spirit in man; bad Karma is that which displeaseth the Spirit.-Vishishtadwaita Philosophy.

Judge not that ye be not judged. With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.-Jesus.

And from the book of Life the dead were judged by their works.-St. John.

THEOSOPHY

Vol. VI

FEBRUARY, 1918

No. 4

No Theosophical Society, as such, is responsible for any opinion or declaration in this magasine, by whomsoever expressed, unless contained in an official document.

Where any article, or statement, has the author's name attached, he alone is responsible, and for those which are unsigned, the Editors will be accountable.

HOW ARE THEOSOPHISTS TO LOOK AT THE WAR?

EXTRACTS FROM SOME RECENT CORRESPONDENCE.

A

CORRESPONDENT writes: "I want you to help me get right on the big war idea. How are Theosophists to look at it? Are we supposed to throw up our hats for Wilson? Is all he does just right? Are we to take the stand 'Our Country right or wrong'? We believe Belgium got her deserts, don't we? I am inclined to be a 'Pacifist', but is that the right stand? I have made some caustic comments about these Christians at war, at the lack of success achieved in praying for the war to stop; but as the whole world is battling the Kaiser, and as the sum total of hate is enormous, does the power of thought-the fact that 'thoughts are things' show up favorably as a factor, either way? Sometimes I wonder whether my individual ideas are right, and I want to know how I should look at the war and present disturbances, if I want to be a consistent Theosophist."

As some of the ideas included in the answer to the above Correspondent may be helpful to other students, THEOSOPHY is printing below excerpts of the letter sent in reply:

"You ask how Theosophists are to look at the war: well, they have to look at it as it is. They did not make it; and they have to set theories aside and face the condition wisely.

"Are we supposed to throw up our hats for Mr. Wilson? Is all he does just right? We do not have to throw up our metaphorical or other hats for anything or anybody, but we should be able to applaud right speech and action by anybody, anywhere; we

should be impersonal in such things if we are to apply the doctrines we study and teach.

"Is all he does just right? Like any other human being, he doubtless makes mistakes, but since war has been declared by America, his general course has been in the right direction, and he has shown a wideness of vision and strength of character, as well as a general intention to accomplish the best for all peoples.

"We must remember that he did not declare war; he was forced to so speak by the sentiment of the nation. The rights of peoples throughout the world to self-government were threatened and over-run by the German entente, and a common danger to civilization had arisen.

"Our government, however imperfectly expressed, is founded on Brotherhood, equal rights for all, freedom of thought and_opportunity in every direction that concerns the general good. This basis cannot properly be construed as merely applying to this nation only, or to any individual in it; it must be applied to all peoples if we are not to be classed as selfish deniers of our own principles.

"As a nation, we are bound to uphold and assist all peoples, who as integral parts of a common humanity, are struggling against oppression. From a theosophic point of view, as well as the general consensus of opinion, we are now doing all we can to destroy the possibility of usurpation of the common rights of humanity.

"The sentiment 'Our country, right or wrong' is just as foolish and wicked as for one to say, 'Myself, right or wrong'. It is this very sentiment that has made Germany and the German people hold out so long, and has blinded her people to a perception of the rights of other peoples. With each one of us, 'I am my country' and if each one will strive to see the right and do it, 'my country will be right'. It is first, last and all the time, right, true and just individual views; views that include all, are just to all.

"If we say 'Belgium got her just deserts', let us continue to apply that attitude and say, so did Germany, France, England and America, as well as the individuals in America who do not like the results; let us be consistent whatever we think. That attitude however does not get us anywhere and must be wrongly based. Consider what the Gita says, 'the preservation of the just, the destruction of the wicked and the establishment of righteousness', a statement which is as much the spiritual and moral basis for individual action as it is for those Great Ones who 'incarnate from age to age'. 'As above, so below'.

"Pacifists are the most illogical, inconsistent and selfish people in this or any country at the present time. All peoples desire peace, for it provides a normal condition which permits progress; but when an individual, a nation, or a number of nations, conspire and act to disturb that normal condition, the others cannot maintain peace by saying that they object to war. There is a saying that

'One has to fight the devil with fire, which he understands, and not with holy water, which he does not understand.'

"The war that we are now engaged in is a war for brotherhood and is a recognition of brotherhood. America might for a time have selfishly kept out of the war and permitted oppression to work its will upon many; but, if it had been possible, the time. would certainly come when the karma of its unfeeling conduct would have fallen upon it directly, for in refraining it would have denied and ignored the brotherhood of Man. Even as it is, this country added to the length and horrors of war by not awakening to a true perception sooner.

"It is the justice of America's action that appeals to Theosophists; the self-sacrificing spirit of its people that gives hope for this great nation, and through it for the world-at-large. The whole course of theosophic study and application is to arouse mankind to a sense of individual responsibility for evil everywhere. Karma is not only the effects of past thought and action, but the present opportunity to set in motion right and just ideas and actions that make for the good of all that lives.

"As to hate, it is never right; if anyone hates the Kaiser or the Germans, he is only adding force to 'hate'; but if the hate is impersonally against evi! as the result of wrong ideas and action, then he can, and should apply himself to that course which will bring the conviction upon the mistaken actors that such ideas and actions are wrong, and cannot prevail. In all this, he 'hates' no one; he has not even hate in the ordinary sense in his heart; he prevents the further doing of evil; thus not only protecting the innocent and helpless, but preventing the guilty from incurring worse karmic retribution. He works for the Peace of all peoples, regardless of personal sacrifices, for he sees and knows that Nothing is gained in this world, or in any other, without sacrifice'.

"As to motives-there is no doubt that many motives have actuated our people, all together bringing about a common result. As individuals, we should recognize that it is ignoble to make war because of a fear of what may happen to us if we do not. This is Germany's excuse for her depredations, and if we take that position, we are no better than Germany morally. It is also ignoble to base our national action upon the interests of our country as above the interests of other countries. This again is one of the motives of Germany. We, who by our karma have been practically forced to take part in this world struggle, can through it, and the sacrifices that it entails, learn the lesson of the Brotherhood of Humanity; or, we may, when outward peace is restored, resume our former selfish national ideas, and sow the seeds for future and more terrible wars. The choice will be ours.

"To paraphrase a well-known saying, 'Now is the time for all good men and true, to come to the aid of Humanity', forgetting forever all personal and national selfishness. Now is the time to