from Hints to Young Students of Occultism, by L. W. Rogers. Theosophical Book Co., Ridgewood, NJ, 1911:
from Hints to Young Students of Occultism, by L. W. Rogers.
Theosophical Book Co., Ridgewood, NJ, 1911:
When a person who comes into the study of Theosophy begins
to see its power and beauty in re-shaping the lives of those who
endeavor to practice its precepts, it is not strange that he should
become enthusiastic in his efforts to interest others in it, or
that he should develop a strong feeling of partisanship for it.
But in this direction lies a subtle danger -- the danger of becoming
dogmatic and thus stifling spiritual growth. Whoever falls into
that error has put an end to his own progress. It is true that
Theosophy is a study of life so comprehensive in its sublime reach
that it includes all religions; but this very fact should teach
the student tolerance, rather than give him a feeling that Theosophy
is the only thing needed for the salvation of the world.
It should not be forgotten that until a person has reached a certain
point in human evolution Theosophy can do nothing for him -- cannot
even arrest his attention -- and that he reaches that particular
point in his development through some of the religious or philosophical
movements from which he finally graduates into Theosophy.
Therefore the organized moral and intellectual movements of various
kinds that fill the world bear somewhat the relationship to Theosophy
that private and public schools of all descriptions bear to the
university. For a student of occultism to assume the attitude
which indicates a belief that Theosophy is a thing to supplant
all religious denominations -- that it is the one and only thing
required by humanity -- would be much like insisting that all
common schools be raised tomorrow to university level. One of
the really beautiful things about Theosophy is its breadth and
tolerance; and it is only when its devotees shape their course
by that spirit of tolerance that progress is possible for them.
Theosophy is not a thing that requires partisanship. It wins its
way by its inherent reasonableness, not by the vehemence with
which it is urged." p. 99
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