What is Theosophy?
The word Theosophy has been used for many centuries. It is of Greek origin
(theo- 'divine', and
sophia - 'wisdom') meaning
Divine Wisdom. It is the wisdom that cannot be enclosed
within words. It is a Truth which must be discovered and experienced by each one for
themselves.
Theosophy, sometimes also called the Ageless Wisdom, is the Light which shines
through the many coloured lamps of religions. It is the thread of truth in scriptures, creeds,
symbols, myths and rituals.
Divine Wisdom is one, the paths towards it are many. Knowledge of
it helps us to live harmoniously with ourselves and others.
Theosophy stands for knowledge of truth and it has existed since the beginning of time.
This ancient tradition has shown that by exploring the depths of our own nature we are able to
reach an experience of Truth - an understanding of that Wisdom which is the seat of all
spiritual knowledge. Theosophy offers an exciting exploration of the purpose of life and
Universal Law.
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The Unexplained Laws of Nature and Powers Latent in Man
Mankind has many powers which are not yet understood. Theosophy offers knowledge of why
and how things like precognition and telepathy exist, but science does not as yet understand how
they operate so these things are to the outer world the unexplained laws of nature.
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Universal Brotherhood
Theosophy recognises that mankind is not yet perfect and whilst there is unrest in the
world and a lack of understanding of one another it is necessary to encourage brotherhood. In
recognition of the oneness of humanity, and oneness of all life, members seek to form a nucleus of
the Universal Brotherhood of humanity and we try to live up to this ideal - to learn to live
in harmony with one another. The Society should produce wise and active philanthropists. Many of
its members give service to the people of the world.
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Who are we?
We are a group of men and women who are united by our determination to promote brotherhood
and to remove religious, racial and other antagonisms. Bradford Theosophical Society
imposes no belief on its members but wishes to draw together all persons of
goodwill, whatsoever their opinions or religious persuasion (if any). We think that the
prime emphasis on brotherhood, tolerance and freedom of thought will eventually dissolve
the barriers which have separated us.
If you are in accord with our objects we would welcome you into the Society.
Bradford Theosophical Society was founded in February 1891 and holds regular,
free, public lectures. We invite all those of goodwill whatever their nationality or
opinions.
You are welcome to join our exploration of the Ageless Wisdom.
Members' Library Catalogue.
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What does the Theosophical Society Stand For?
- Celebration of the Oneness of Life.
- Commitment to mutual understanding.
- Recognition of our spiritual journey.
- Investigation of the purpose of life.
- Exploration of spiritual experiences.
- A Search for Truth in All Things.
- Freedom of Thought.
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The Objects of the Society
- To form a nucleus of the Universal Brotherhood of humanity without distinction of race,
creed, nationality, sex, caste or colour.
- To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science.
- To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in man.
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ARE YOU A
THEOSOPHIST?
- Do you try to encourage true friendliness and sympathy
between people of all nations, cultures and beliefs?
- Do you feel you are open-minded enough to learn about other
people's religions and to see the signs of unity within all of them?
- Would you enjoy exchanging ideas on how the sciences of the
outer physical world and the teachings dealing with the Soul of things can be reconciled?
- Above all, are you interested in contributing to the
welfare of mankind by developing the potentials innate in each one of us?
If you feel that these endeavours match your own motives, you may be interested in attending
some of our meetings where we have talks, discussions and studies related to the above.
We welcome anyone who is in sympathy with our aims and objects.
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The Golden Stairs
A Clean Life, an Open Mind, a Pure Heart,
an Eager Intellect, an Unveiled Spiritual Perception,
a Brotherliness for All,
a Readiness to Give and Receive Advice and Instruction,
a Courageous Endurance of Personal Injustice,
a Brave Declaration of Principles,
a Valiant Defense of those who are unjustly attacked,
and a Constant Eye to the Ideal of Human Progression and Perfection
which the Sacred Science depicts -
These are the Golden Stairs
up the Steps of which the Learner may climb to the
Temple of Divine Wisdom
H. P. Blavatsky
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The Theosophical Order of Service
The Theosophical Order of Service is a world-wide organisation committed to
putting into practice the ideal of brotherhood with all life. Members endeavour to have a
compassionate and constructive approach to the welfare of humanity, animals and the environment.
It focuses on various forms of service to put into practice these ideals of theosophical
philosophy. It is ‘theosophy in action’.
Dr Annie Besant the then International President of the
Theosophical Society, founded the The Theosophical Order of Service in
February 1908 in response to the wish of a number of Theosophical Society
members ‘to organise themselves for various lines of service, to actively promote the first
object of the Society.’
The motto chosen was ‘A Union of Those who Love in the Service of All that
Suffers’, and its aims:
- To minimise the sum of misery in the world;
- To forget self in working for others;
- To eliminate selfishness and substitute love as the rule of the world; and
- To live to the highest that is within us.
The Theosophical Order of Service is the service arm of the Theosophical Society and
offers a framework in which:
- individuals may work along self-selected lines of service for the
uplifting of humanity and the protection of the planet;
- the practical application of theosophical principles to issues of contemporary
concern may be explored;
- social action as spiritual practice is honoured and nurtured.
To find out more, please visit the website:
The Theosophical Order of Service
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