There Is No Religion Higher Than Truth
Satyan Nasti Paro Dharmah — The Ultimate Spiritual Path is Realization and Integration with the Intrinsic Nature of Reality —
Mahabharata (Sântiparvan, chapter 160, stanza 24)
The Theosophical Society was founded in New York City on November 17, 1875 by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Henry Steel Olcott, William Quan Judge, and others.
Theosophical Worldview
The Theosophical Society, while reserving for each member full freedom to interpret those teachings known as Theosophy, is dedicated to preserving and realizing the ageless wisdom, which embodies both a worldview and a vision of human self-transformation.
Fundamental Propositions
This tradition is founded upon certain fundamental propositions.
The universe and all that exists within it are one interrelated and interdependent whole.
Every existent being-from atom to galaxy-is rooted in the same universal, life-creating Reality. This Reality is all pervasive but it can never be summed up in its parts, since it transcends all its expressions. It reveals itself in the purposeful, ordered, and meaningful processes of nature as well as in the deepest recesses of the mind and spirit.
Recognition of the unique value of every living being expresses itself in reverence for life, compassion for all, sympathy with the need of all individuals to find truth for themselves, and respect for all religious traditions. The ways in which these ideals become realities in individual life are both the privileged choice and the responsible act of every human being.
The Three Objects
Any person in sympathy with the three Objects can join the Theosophical Society.
First Object
To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or color.
Second Object
To encourage the comparative study of religion, philosophy, and science.
Third Object
To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in humanity.
The Philosophy of the Society
The Society maintains the right of individual freedom of thought for every member. Nobody is asked to give up the teachings of his or her own faith. To ensure this right, the General Council of the Theosophical Society passed the following resolution in 1924:
Just as all members of the Society are free to hold their own beliefs and follow their own practices, no one can impose his or her particular views or aims on the Society, which has its own declared Objects. To ensure this freedom of the organization, the General Council of the Theosophical Society passed the following resolution in 1949:
Our Commitment
The Theosophical Society imposes no dogmas, but points toward the source of unity behind all differences. Devotion to truth, love for all living beings, and commitment to a life of active altruism are the marks of the true Theosophist.
Central to the concerns of theosophy is the desire to promote understanding and unity among people of all races, nationalities, philosophies, and religions. Therefore, all people, whatever their race, creed, sex, caste, or color, are invited to participate equally in the life and work of the Society.