Theosophy
Letter to the Secretary of the Theosophical Society and the Editor of 'Scotland Theosophy'[edit]
Other References[edit]
- On Reincarnation, Some Answered Questions, Chapter 81
- On Pantheism, Some Answered Questions, Chapter 82
Recognition of good done by Theosophical Society[edit]
"When 'Abdu'l-Bahá was asked if he recognized the good which the Theosophical Society has done. He replied:
"I know it; I think a great deal of it. I know that their desire is to serve mankind. I thank this noble Society in the name of all Bahá'ís and for myself. I hope that by God's help these friends will succeed in bringing about love and unity. It is a great work and needs the effort of all the servants of God!"
- (Attributed to 'Abdu'l-Bahá, 'Abdu'l-Bahá in London, p. 61)
See also[edit]
- Star of the West, vol. 3, issue 17, pp. 3-4
Unity between Bahá'ís and Theosophists is hopeful as their purposes and desires are one[edit]
"International peace is the assurance of the welfare of all humankind. There are no greater motives and purposes in the human soul. As we are agreed upon them, the certainty of unity and concord between Bahá'ís and Theosophists is most hopeful. Their purposes are one, their desires one, and spiritual susceptibilities are common to both. Their attention is devoted to the divine Kingdom; they partake alike of its bounty."
The Theosophical Society is ready for hearing the Word of God (and treat them with the utmost love and kindness)[edit]
"Thou hast written that in a house of a Theosophist thou prepared a feast of joy and a féte of gladness. This Society is ready for hearing the Word of God. Treat them with the utmost love, kindness, unity and oneness, so that the attractive power of the Word of God may draw them to the Sun of Reality."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, Star of the West, vol. 1, issue 19, p. 2)
Unifying all religions as in Theosophical teachings finds 'Abdu'l-Bahá's sympathy[edit]
"Question.--(It was remarked, Theosophy teaches that truth in all the religions is the same): Does the task of unifying all religions have 'Abdu'l-Bahá's sympathy?
"Answer.--Surely."
- (Attributed to 'Abdu'l-Bahá, 'Abdu'l-Bahá in London, p. 62)
Bahá'í cannot be a Theosophist (e.g., for belief in reincarnation)[edit]
"A Bahá'í cannot at the same time be a Theosophist; many Theosophists have become believers and very enlightened ones, but as we do not believe in reincarnation we obviously cannot be active as Theosophists and Bahá'ís at the same time."
Must only teach those really ready for the Cause; to let alone those (e.g., of Theosophists) who are not hungry; avoid controversial issues in the beginning if possible (e.g., reincarnation for them)[edit]
"We should never insist on teaching those who are not really ready for the Cause. If a man is not hungry, you cannot make him eat. Among the Theosophists there are, no doubt, many receptive souls, but those who are satisfied should be just associated with in a friendly way, but let alone. Once a seeker comes to accept the concept of progressive religion, and accepts Bahá'u'lláh as the Manifestation for this day, the reincarnation concept will fade away in the light of truth; we should try and avoid controversial issues in the beginning if possible."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 23 June 1948, Unfolding Destiny, p. 451)
"Mr. ... requests guidance in relating to the followers of the various groups mentioned above and in finding ways to help them to understand the station of Bahá'u'lláh. In general, when presenting the Faith, a Bahá'í endeavours, in the first instance, to build a bridge of agreement to the individual whom he or she is trying to reach. This bridge serves as the basis for further communication and the foundation for a more detailed discussion of the Teachings. It is suggested that it might be helpful for Mr. ... to consult with his Local Spiritual Assembly or an Auxiliary Board member for specific ideas about how to proceed. We would also like to call attention to the following extract from a letter dated 23 June 1948 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi concerning teaching:
- We should never insist on teaching those who are not really ready for the Cause. If a man is not hungry you cannot make him eat. Among the Theosophists there are, no doubt, many receptive souls, but those who are satisfied should be just associated with in a friendly way, but let alone.
"Although the guidance is specifically directed towards teaching theosophists, it would appear to have more general relevance."
- (Memorandum from the Research Department, "New Religious Movements, Tolkien, Marriage")
No special relation to theosophy[edit]
"Many Theosophists accept Bahá'u'lláh as a Prophet, but we have no special relation to theosophy. It would seem that the Master had some special reason for not mentioning Bahá'u'lláh specifically in His talk to the Theosophists in Budapest. What it was we do not know, but we can assume His great tact and wisdom impelled Him not to on that occasion."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 4 October 1950, Unfolding Destiny, p. 458)
Believer to be grateful for role of Theosophy in seeking, but should ultimately decide between being a Bahá'í or a theosophist (also on reincarnation)[edit]
"He will now give you his sincere advice regarding Theosophy: this teaching has done much for you and you owe it much; you might have never been receptive to the Bahá'í Faith if Theosophy had not stirred up your mind to thinking along new lines. But when a child is born, out of mistaken loyalty it must not seek to cling to the womb. The new life is fuller and better. It can be grateful to the womb. So you, now born into the fuller Light of Bahá'u'lláh's teachings, should not cling to Theosophy any longer. You are, naturally, entirely free in this matter. But before deciding for yourself what course you wish to pursue - to be a Bahá'í or a theosophist - he advises you to pray about the matters troubling you and meditate on them. What the Master says about re-incarnation we Bahá'ís must accept as true; the proofs and evidence to the contrary are subject to other interpretations than that of re-incarnation."
Ignorance for belief in Theosophists believing they can teach a boy in schools to become the promised one[edit]
"The Theosophists are educating a boy in the schools of Europe and say that he will become the promised one of all nations. How ignorant this is! God must select the Promised One, not men. The lamp that men ignite will be put out; but the Lamp of God is ever bright. He who is educated by men is always dependent on men. How can he give eternal prosperity? It is as if a person wishes to make a sun out of oil and wick."
Theosophists (as with others) testified to greatness of the Cause[edit]
"O Bahá'u'lláh! May I be a sacrifice for Thee. O Bahá'u'lláh! May my life be offered up for Thee. Thou hast spoken the Word which cannot be refuted. What a wonderful Cause Thou hast founded! It satisfies every assemblage! Each group testifies to its greatness. In the churches it shakes the souls; it excites the Theosophists; it imparts spirituality to the spiritualists; it makes the Unitarians aware of the reality of unity; it makes the socialists contented and grateful and inspires joy and happiness in the peace meetings. There is no refuge for any denomination except in submission to it. It is a miracle! It is the greatest force in the world of existence. This is all through the assistance of the Blessed Beauty. If healing the lame and crippled is a miracle, it can also be produced by a dose of medicine. This is no great achievement."
Idea of Masters and reincarnation contrary to the Faith's Teachings[edit]
"While we have not located any references to Madame Blavatsky, the founder of Theosophy, there are a number of statements, in letters written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, on Theosophy itself. For example:
- The idea of Masters as expounded by the Theosophists is contrary to the Teachings. The doctrine of 'return' as set forth by Bahá'u'lláh in the Iqán is essentially different, implying no incarnation or return of the essence, but simply the return of the attributes and qualities. It is just like the return of fragrance and colour in flowers. The individuality is neither lost nor identified. It is untransferable.
- It is therefore sheer superstition to believe that holy souls can voluntarily return to this world and serve the people.
- (22 April 1939 to an individual believer)
- Many theosophists accept Bahá'u'lláh as a Prophet, but we have no special relation to theosophy.
- (4 October 1950 to an individual believer)
- (On behalf of the Universal House of Justice, "New Religious Movements, Tolkien, Marriage", 6 July 1994)
Some principles of the Cause copied by Theosophists, no advantage to oppose and refute their arguments[edit]
"With regard to the Theosophists and their activities; although they obviously try to copy and claim as their own some of the principles of the Cause, yet the Guardian feels that it would be of no advantage to oppose them and to refute their arguments. The best attitude for the friends to adopt in such cases at the present time is to totally disregard and even neglect their opponents. This has invariably been his advice to the friends, whether in the East or in the West."
See also[edit]
Todos for this page[edit]
- Cross-reference discussion on receptivity to quote to the effect that those interested in reincarnation often not accepting of the Cause and its focus on practical life here?; better categorize quotes
