THE STUDY OF THEOSOPHY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13722, 11 April 1908, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE STUDY OF THEOSOPHY.

..*. Being transaction No. 1 of the Auckland Theosophical Society. Bv Samuel Stuart '«N F.T.S. . * Whatkvek may be thought of modern Theosophv, the writer of this pamphlet, which is of an original character, promising well for future efforts, has certainly endeavoured "to show the necessity of independent thinking and personal investigation. He pleads for a strict scrutiny of all : Thcosoplucal teachings, and tells his readers not to let any fear of an unseen and unheard condemnation, or of any criticism, stand in the way of placing all the si ali- m ments of Theosophv under the mental micrcscope of our scrutiny, or in the crucible of a thorough investigation ; which ho feci? H confident will only justify the truth. Tin.;? V only can the reality of an all-comprehensive philosophy be demonstrated,' and the value \ of ancient thought and discovery be made manifest. The first duty of a student is in- , dependent inquiry; his next, to test overt statement before accepting it. The writer , points out where a number of errors have crept into modern Theosopliical books, though he does not do this in any sceptical § spirit: and he tells us that all such book* claim no exception from the same.rules of criticism as other books, and are* by .10 S means to be treated as if they were Divine revelations and above investigation. If, as we have heard, it is true that all writings 011 mysticism and occultism mean what they do not exactly ■ say, and say what they do not really mean, I the authors common-sense way 0! dealing with then* statements is eminently necessary to a true understanding of them ; but the host means, he points out, to get id this - is for each student to tie put in possession of pome means of personal investigation by which the results can be independently reachedwhen cocparison will reveal the profound depths of ancient phiioisophie : thought on the nature of man and the world which can never be withheld from those who honestly labour for simple truth, In pursuance -of these ideas un effort is, made '<> lay down definite Theosophical principles and. laws, in order that constructive " study, .similar 10 logical, metaphysical. and geometrical study may become possible: and of these principles an application is made. The author then goes into particular? as to certain Theosophic teachings concoming the relation between human lit* and world history, the analogy between colour, vibrations, and cosmic planes, from anew standpoint, and describes a general diagram which acts as a kind of universal solution for Theosophic problems. In conclusion, the writer intimates that ho ha* l| developed a detail of Theosophic study which, he considers necessary to, the understanding of Madame Blavatsky's works, and doc; 1 not appear to have' been attempted ov others, announcing the possible issue of fur- ither pamphlets; and no doubt all Theosophie students will desire to make the- most of this opportunity of obtaining a furth.-i assistance in their studies bv the aid of a local author. The pamphlet has bees ; printed at the Hijiiald Printing Work?, and is very, neatly got up.