SECTION XIV.

THE “THEOSOPHICAL MAHATMAS”:
Are They “Spirits of Light” or “Goblins Damn’d”? 228
The Abuse of Sacred Names and Terms 237

CONCLUSION.
The Future of the Theosophical Society 241




PREFACE


The purpose of this book is exactly expressed in its title, “THE
KEY TO THEOSOPHY,” and needs but few words of explanation. It
is not a complete or exhaustive text-book of Theosophy, but only a
key to unlock the door that leads to the deeper study. It traces the
broad outlines of the Wisdom Religion, and explains its fundamental
principles; meeting, at the same time, the various objections raised by
the average Western enquirer, and endeavouring to present unfamiliar
concepts in a form as simple and in language as clear as possible.
That it should succeed in making Theosophy intelligible without mental
effort on the part of the reader, would be too much to expect; but it
is hoped that the obscurity still left is of the thought not of the
language, is due to depth not to confusion. To the mentally lazy or
obtuse, Theosophy must remain a riddle; for in the world mental as in
the world spiritual each man must progress by his own efforts. The
writer cannot do the reader’s thinking for him, nor would the latter
be any the better off if such vicarious thought were possible. The
need for such an exposition as the present has long been felt among
those interested in the Theosophical Society and its work, and it
is hoped that it will supply information, as free as possible from
technicalities, to many whose attention has been awakened, but who, as
yet, are merely puzzled and not convinced.

Some care has been taken in disentangling some part of what is true
from what is false in Spiritualistic teachings as to the post-mortem
life, and to showing the true nature of Spiritualistic phænomena.
Previous explanations of a similar kind have drawn much wrath upon
the writer’s devoted head; the Spiritualists, like too many others,
preferring to believe what is pleasant rather than what is true, and
becoming very angry with anyone who destroys an agreeable delusion. For
the past year Theosophy has been the target for every poisoned arrow
of Spiritualism, as though the possessors of a half truth felt more
antagonism to the possessors of the whole truth than those who had no
share to boast of.

Very hearty thanks are due from the author to many Theosophists who
have sent suggestions and questions, or have otherwise contributed help
during the writing of this book. The work will be the more useful for
their aid, and that will be their best reward.

H. P. B.




THE KEY TO THEOSOPHY.