THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY

Evening Star, Issue 23368, 11 September 1939, Page 2

THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY

Speaking last evening on the present crisis, two members gave a Theosophical interpretation of the situation: — Since the brotherhood is a law for humanity, all actions against that law culminate in strife. Evolution is another law, and this implies beings at all stages of development, each being in the_ class (or race) best suited to give him experiences necessary to hig growth. Still another law is that each person is descended from God, and therefore all have equal claims to express that divinity. To endeavour to convert others into the likeness of ourselves brings disaster, for it immediately destroys individual uniqueness and prevents others from expanding freely. Therefore understanding comes first, then appreciation of the worth of others, and friendship follows closely in their wake. The present struggle between democracy and dictatorship rule shows that the majority of the people in the world value their freedom so highly that they would sacrifice all for its sake. Where suppression exists there is no real growth; in fact, many already have resorted to suicide rather than face a regime of militaristic rule. During the Great War the Powers of Light overthrew the Powers of Darkness, and the latter (sometimes termed the Brothers of tho Shadow) have been busy undermining civilisation in a subtle and insidious way. so that the whole morale of the world may be lessened for the struggle which is being pursued today. Instances of moral looseness were drinking and smoking by women being made respectable, and tho national habit of gambling. Whereas (Russia and U.S.A, had endeavoured to purify the country of drink, vested interests in liquor defeated their ends. Jazz music was not worthy of the name of music, for it degraded the emotions

instead of soothing and inspiring the nature of man. The speakers advocated a daily 'peace meditation (along specified lines), thus enabling everyone to help win the war.