Mahatma Letter No. 120 - Revision history

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Context and background

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	== Context and background ==		== Context and background ==
			This letter is the enclosure mentioned by the Mahatma in his last letter. It is one of the most important letters in the book so far as the [[Theosophical Society]]—especially in the West—is concerned.

			The Mahatma has just ordered two telegrams to be sent, one to Mrs. Kingsford and one to Mr. Sinnett, to notify both that Mrs. Kingsford should continue as President of the London Lodge. The telegram to Sinnett is short and to the point: “Kingsford must remain president.”

			In this letter, the Mahatma suggests that the London Lodge should be administered by, at least, fourteen Councillors — "one half openly inclining towards the Christian Esotericism as represented by Mrs. K., and the other half following Buddhist Esotericism as represented by Mr. S.; all important business to be transacted by majority of votes."

			Although seemingly a rather fragile arrangement, the plan might have worked had it not been for a further complication. Early in December of 1883, Mrs. Kingsford and the Vice-President of London Lodge, Edward Maitland, issued a Circular which embodied a severe criticism of the teachings contained in Sinnett’s new book, Esoteric Buddhism. Understandably, this did not make for improvement in the harmony of the situation. In late January, 1884, Subba Row, in collaboration with "another still greater scholar" who, it is believed, was the Mahatma M., issued in pamphlet form a "Reply" to this Circular Letter. Subba Row sent this to H.P.B. with a covering letter, requesting her to forward it to the London Lodge. She did so on January 25, 1884. The full text can be found in Esoteric Writings of T. Subba Row, pp. 316-356.

	== Physical description of letter ==		== Physical description of letter ==

SysopJ at 15:45, 14 April 2022

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	This is '''Letter No. 120''' in ''' [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)\|''The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'']], 4th chronological edition'''. It corresponds to '''Letter No. 85''' in '''Barker numbering.''' ~~See below for~~ [[Mahatma ~~Letter No~~. ~~120#Context~~ and ~~background\|Context~~ and ~~background]]~~.		This is '''Letter No. 120''' in ''' [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)\|''The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'']], 4th chronological edition'''. It corresponds to '''Letter No. 85''' in '''Barker numbering.''' [[Mahatma]] [[Koot Hoomi]] conveyed the wish of the [[Maha Chohan]] that [[Anna Bonus Kingsford]] should be President of the [[London Lodge]], rather than [[A. P. Sinnett]], because her use of "the names and symbols familiar to Christian ears and eyes" made her "more adapted to lead the movement successfully in England" than Sinnett, whose expression was based in Eastern philosophies.
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	== Publication history ==		== Publication history ==


	== Commentary about this letter ==		== Commentary about this letter ==

			Both [[G. B. Finch]] and [[Samuel Ward]] wrote letters to K. H. regarding the presidency of the lodge. While they deeply admired Dr. Kingsford, each had reservations about her as leader of the group. See the [[Mahatma_Letter_of_Finch_to_Sinnett_-_1883-12-21\|Finch letter of December 12, 1883]] and the [[Mahatma_Letter_of_Ward_to/from_KH_-_1883-12-14\|Ward letter dated December 14, 1883]].

	== Notes ==		== Notes ==
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	[[Category:ML to A. P. Sinnett]]		[[Category:ML to A. P. Sinnett]]
	[[Category:ML to London Lodge]]		[[Category:ML to London Lodge]]
	~~[[Category:ML with images]]~~
	~~[[Category:ML needs commentary]]~~

SysopJ at 03:22, 1 March 2020

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	[[Category:ML needs background]]		[[Category:ML needs background]]
	[[Category:ML to A. P. Sinnett]]		[[Category:ML to A. P. Sinnett]]
			[[Category:ML to London Lodge]]
	[[Category:ML with images]]		[[Category:ML with images]]
	[[Category:ML needs commentary]]		[[Category:ML needs commentary]]

SysopJ at 03:21, 1 March 2020

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	[[Category:ML from Koot Hoomi]]		[[Category:ML from Koot Hoomi]]
	[[Category:ML needs background]]		[[Category:ML needs background]]
	[[Category:ML ~~needs publication history~~]]		[[Category:ML to A. P. Sinnett]]
			[[Category:ML with images]]
	[[Category:ML needs commentary]]		[[Category:ML needs commentary]]

SysopJ at 02:41, 18 December 2019

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	~~[[Category:ML from Koot Hoomi]]~~
	~~[[Category:ML needs background]]~~
	~~[[Category:ML needs publication history]]~~
	~~[[Category:ML needs commentary]]~~
	{{Infobox MLbox		{{Infobox MLbox
	\| header1 = People involved \|		\| header1 = People involved \|
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	'''~~This is~~ Letter No. 85 in Barker numbering.''' See below for [[Mahatma Letter No. 120#Context and background\|Context and background]].		This is '''Letter No. 120''' in ''' [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)\|''The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'']], 4th chronological edition'''. It corresponds to '''Letter No. 85''' in '''Barker numbering.''' See below for [[Mahatma Letter No. 120#Context and background\|Context and background]].
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	== Notes ==		== Notes ==
	<references/>		<references/>
	~~<br>~~

	~~== Additional resources ==~~		[[Category:ML from Koot Hoomi]]
			[[Category:ML needs background]]
			[[Category:ML needs publication history]]
			[[Category:ML needs commentary]]

SysopJ at 15:25, 4 December 2019

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	\| writtendate = December 7, 1883		\| writtendate = December 7, 1883
	\| receiveddate = January 1884		\| receiveddate = January 1884
	\| otherdate = ~~none~~		\| otherdate = unknown
	\| header3 = Places		\| header3 = Places
	\| sentfrom = Mysore		\| sentfrom = Mysore
	\| receivedat = London		\| receivedat = London
	\| vialocation = ~~none~~		\| vialocation = unknown{{pad\|9em}}
	}}		}}
	'''This is Letter No. 85 in Barker numbering.''' See below for [[Mahatma Letter No. 120#Context and background\|Context and background]].		'''This is Letter No. 85 in Barker numbering.''' See below for [[Mahatma Letter No. 120#Context and background\|Context and background]].

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	admitted fact that the marvellous success of the [[Theosophical Society]] in India is due entirely to its principle of wise and respectful toleration of each other's opinions and beliefs. Not even the [[Henry Steel Olcott\|President-Founder]] has the right directly or indirectly to interfere with the [[Freedom of Thought\|freedom of thought]] of the humblest member, least of all to seek to influence his personal opinion. It is only in the absence of this generous consideration, that even the faintest shadow of difference arms seekers after the same truth, otherwise earnest and sincere, with the scorpion-whip of hatred against their brothers, equally sincere and earnest. Deluded victims of distorted truth, they forget, or never knew, that discord is the harmony of the Universe. Thus in the Theos. Society, each part, as in the glorious fugues of the immortal Mozart, ceaselessly chases the other in harmonious discord on the paths of Eternal progress to meet and finally blend at the threshold of the pursued goal into one harmonious whole, the key-note in nature--सत्. Absolute justice makes no difference between the many and the few. Therefore, while thanking the majority of the "[[London Lodge\|L.L]]" [[Theosophist]]s for their "loyalty" to us their invisible teachers, we must at the same time,		admitted fact that the marvellous success of the [[Theosophical Society]] in India is due entirely to its principle of wise and respectful toleration of each other's opinions and beliefs. Not even the [[Henry Steel Olcott\|President-Founder]] has the right directly or indirectly to interfere with the [[Freedom of Thought\|freedom of thought]] of the humblest member, least of all to seek to influence his personal opinion. It is only in the absence of this generous consideration, that even the faintest shadow of difference arms seekers after the same truth, otherwise earnest and sincere, with the scorpion-whip of hatred against their brothers, equally sincere and earnest. Deluded victims of distorted truth, they forget, or never knew, that discord is the harmony of the Universe. Thus in the Theos. Society, each part, as in the glorious fugues of the immortal Mozart, ceaselessly chases the other in harmonious discord on the paths of Eternal progress to meet and finally blend at the threshold of the pursued goal into one harmonious whole, the key-note in nature – – सत्. Absolute justice makes no difference between the many and the few. Therefore, while thanking the majority of the "[[London Lodge\|L.L]]" [[Theosophist]]s for their "loyalty" to us their invisible teachers, we must at the same time,

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	dutiful regard for these rules in life will always promote the best interests of all concerned. It is necessary for the parallel progress of the groups under [[Anna Bonus Kingsford\|Mrs. K.]] and [[Alfred Percy Sinnett\|Mr. S.]] that neither should interfere with the beliefs and rights of the other. And it is seriously expected that both of them will be actuated by an earnest and sleepless desire to respect the philosophical independence of each other, while preserving at the same time their unity as a whole — namely the objects of the [[Parent Society\|Parent Theos. Society]] in their integrity — and those of the [[London Lodge]], in their slight modification. We wish the London Society should preserve its harmony in division like the Indian Branches where the representatives of all the different schools of [[Hinduism]] seek to study [[Science#Occult Science\|Esoteric Sciences]] and the Wisdom of old, without necessarily giving up for it their respective beliefs. Each Branch, often members of the same Branch — Christian converts included in some cases — study [[Esoteric Philosophy\|esoteric philosophy]] each in his own way, yet always knitting together brotherly hands for the furtherance of the common objects of the [[Theosophical Society\|Society]]. To carry out this programme, it is desirable that the "London Lodge" should be administered by, at least, fourteen Councillors — one half openly inclining towards the [[Esoteric Christianity\|Christian Esotericism]] as represented by Mrs. K., and the other half following [[Esoteric Philosophy#Esoteric_Philosophy#Arhat_Esoteric_Philosophy\|Buddhist Esotericism]] as		dutiful regard for these rules in life will always promote the best interests of all concerned. It is necessary for the parallel progress of the groups under [[Anna Bonus Kingsford\|Mrs. K.]] and [[Alfred Percy Sinnett\|Mr. S.]] that neither should interfere with the beliefs and rights of the other. And it is seriously expected that both of them will be actuated by an earnest and sleepless desire to respect the philosophical independence of each other, while preserving at the same time their unity as a whole — namely the objects of the [[Parent Society\|Parent Theos. Society]] in their integrity — and those of the [[London Lodge]], in their slight modification. We wish the London Society should preserve its harmony in division like the Indian Branches where the representatives of all the different schools of [[Hinduism]] seek to study [[Science#Occult Science\|Esoteric Sciences]] and the Wisdom of old, without necessarily giving up for it their respective beliefs. Each Branch, often members of the same Branch — Christian converts included in some cases — study [[Esoteric Philosophy\|esoteric philosophy]] each in his own way, yet always knitting together brotherly hands for the furtherance of the common objects of the [[Theosophical Society\|Society]]. To carry out this programme, it is desirable that the "London Lodge" should be administered by, at least, fourteen Councillors — one half openly inclining towards the [[Christianity#Esoteric Christianity\|Christian Esotericism]] as represented by Mrs. K., and the other half following [[Esoteric Philosophy#Esoteric_Philosophy#Arhat_Esoteric_Philosophy\|Buddhist Esotericism]] as

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	'''NOTES:'''		'''NOTES:'''
	*		*

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	remind them that their President, [[Anna Bonus Kingsford\|Mrs. Kingsford]], is loyal and true also — to that which she believes to be the Truth. And, as she is thus loyal and true to her convictions, however small the minority that may side with her at present, the majority led by [[Alfred Percy Sinnett\|Mr. Sinnett]], our representative in London, cannot with justice charge her with the guilt, which — since she has emphatically disclaimed all intention of breaking the letter or the spirit of Article VI of the Rules of the Parent Theos. Society (which please see and read) — is one only in the eyes of those who would be rather too severe. Every Western Theosophist should learn and remember, especially those of them who would be our followers — that in our Brotherhood, all personalities sink into one idea — abstract right and absolute practical justice for all. And that, though we may not say with the Christians, "return good for evil" — we repeat with Confucius — "return good for good; for evil — JUSTICE." Thus, the Theosophists of Mrs. K.'s way of thinking, — were they even to oppose some of us personally to the bitter end, — are entitled to as much respect and consideration (so long as they are sincere) from us and their fellow-members of opposite views, as those who are ready with Mr. Sinnett to follow absolutely but our special teaching. A		remind them that their President, [[Anna Bonus Kingsford\|Mrs. Kingsford]], is loyal and true also — to that which she believes to be the Truth. And, as she is thus loyal and true to her convictions, however small the minority that may side with her at present, the majority led by [[Alfred Percy Sinnett\|Mr. Sinnett]], our representative in London, cannot with justice charge her with the guilt, which — since she has emphatically disclaimed all intention of breaking the letter or the spirit of Article VI of the Rules of the [[Parent Society\|Parent Theos. Society]] (which please see and read) — is one only in the eyes of those who would be rather too severe. Every Western [[Theosophist]] should learn and remember, especially those of them who would be our followers — that in our [[Universal Brotherhood\|Brotherhood]], all personalities sink into one idea — abstract right and absolute practical justice for all. And that, though we may not say with the [[Christianity\|Christians]], "return good for [[evil]]" — we repeat with Confucius — "return good for good; for evil — JUSTICE." Thus, the Theosophists of [[Anna Bonus Kingsford\|Mrs. K.]]'s way of thinking, — were they even to oppose some of us personally to the bitter end, — are entitled to as much respect and consideration (so long as they are sincere) from us and their fellow-members of opposite views, as those who are ready with Mr. Sinnett to follow absolutely but our special teaching. A

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	dutiful regard for these rules in life will always promote the best interests of all concerned. It is necessary for the parallel progress of the groups under Mrs. K. and Mr. S. that neither should interfere with the beliefs and rights of the other. And it is seriously expected that both of them will be actuated by an earnest and sleepless desire to respect the philosophical independence of each other, while preserving at the same time their unity as a whole — namely the objects of the Parent Theos. Society in their integrity — and those of the London Lodge, in their slight modification. We wish the London Society should preserve its harmony in division like the Indian Branches where the representatives of all the different schools of Hinduism seek to study Esoteric Sciences and the Wisdom of old, without necessarily giving up for it their respective beliefs. Each Branch, often members of the same Branch — Christian converts included in some cases — study esoteric philosophy each in his own way, yet always knitting together brotherly hands for the furtherance of the common objects of the Society. To carry out this programme, it is desirable that the "London Lodge" should be administered by, at least, fourteen Councillors — one half openly inclining towards the Christian Esotericism as represented by Mrs. K., and the other half following Buddhist Esotericism as		dutiful regard for these rules in life will always promote the best interests of all concerned. It is necessary for the parallel progress of the groups under [[Anna Bonus Kingsford\|Mrs. K.]] and [[Alfred Percy Sinnett\|Mr. S.]] that neither should interfere with the beliefs and rights of the other. And it is seriously expected that both of them will be actuated by an earnest and sleepless desire to respect the philosophical independence of each other, while preserving at the same time their unity as a whole — namely the objects of the [[Parent Society\|Parent Theos. Society]] in their integrity — and those of the [[London Lodge]], in their slight modification. We wish the London Society should preserve its harmony in division like the Indian Branches where the representatives of all the different schools of [[Hinduism]] seek to study [[Science#Occult Science\|Esoteric Sciences]] and the Wisdom of old, without necessarily giving up for it their respective beliefs. Each Branch, often members of the same Branch — Christian converts included in some cases — study [[Esoteric Philosophy\|esoteric philosophy]] each in his own way, yet always knitting together brotherly hands for the furtherance of the common objects of the [[Theosophical Society\|Society]]. To carry out this programme, it is desirable that the "London Lodge" should be administered by, at least, fourteen Councillors — one half openly inclining towards the [[Esoteric Christianity\|Christian Esotericism]] as represented by Mrs. K., and the other half following [[Esoteric Philosophy#Esoteric_Philosophy#Arhat_Esoteric_Philosophy\|Buddhist Esotericism]] as

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	represented by Mr. S.; all important business to be transacted by majority of votes. We are well aware of and quite alive to the difficulties of such an arrangement. Yet, it seems absolutely necessary in order to re-establish the lost harmony. The constitution of the "London Lodge" has to be amended and can be so amended if the members would but try; and so bring about more strength in such friendly division than in forced unity.		represented by [[Alfred Percy Sinnett\|Mr. S.]]; all important business to be transacted by majority of votes. We are well aware of and quite alive to the difficulties of such an arrangement. Yet, it seems absolutely necessary in order to re-establish the lost harmony. The constitution of the "[[London Lodge]]" has to be amended and can be so amended if the members would but try; and so bring about more strength in such friendly division than in forced unity.

	Unless, therefore, both Mrs. Kingsford and Mr. Sinnett agree to disagree in details and work in strict unison for the chief objects as laid down in the Rules of the Parent Society, we can have no hand in the future development and progress of the London Lodge.		Unless, therefore, both [[Anna Bonus Kingsford\|Mrs. Kingsford]] and Mr. Sinnett agree to disagree in details and work in strict unison for the chief objects as laid down in the Rules of the [[Parent Society]], we can have no hand in the future development and progress of the London Lodge.

	K. H.		[[Koot Hoomi\|K. H.]]

	December 7th, 1883,		December 7th, 1883,

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	admitted fact that the marvellous success of the [[Theosophical Society]] in India is due entirely to its principle of wise and respectful toleration of each other's opinions and beliefs. Not even the President-Founder has the right directly or indirectly to interfere with the freedom of thought of the humblest member, least of all to seek to influence his personal opinion. It is only in the absence of this generous consideration, that even the faintest shadow of difference arms seekers after the same truth, otherwise earnest and sincere, with the scorpion-whip of hatred against their brothers, equally sincere and earnest. Deluded victims of distorted truth, they forget, or never knew, that discord is the harmony of the Universe. Thus in the Theos. Society, each part, as in the glorious fugues of the immortal Mozart, ceaselessly chases the other in harmonious discord on the paths of Eternal progress to meet and finally blend at the threshold of the pursued goal into one harmonious whole, the key-note in nature--सत्. Absolute justice makes no difference between the many and the few. Therefore, while thanking the majority of the "L.L" ~~Theosophists~~ for their "loyalty" to us their invisible teachers, we must at the same time,		admitted fact that the marvellous success of the [[Theosophical Society]] in India is due entirely to its principle of wise and respectful toleration of each other's opinions and beliefs. Not even the [[Henry Steel Olcott\|President-Founder]] has the right directly or indirectly to interfere with the [[Freedom of Thought\|freedom of thought]] of the humblest member, least of all to seek to influence his personal opinion. It is only in the absence of this generous consideration, that even the faintest shadow of difference arms seekers after the same truth, otherwise earnest and sincere, with the scorpion-whip of hatred against their brothers, equally sincere and earnest. Deluded victims of distorted truth, they forget, or never knew, that discord is the harmony of the Universe. Thus in the Theos. Society, each part, as in the glorious fugues of the immortal Mozart, ceaselessly chases the other in harmonious discord on the paths of Eternal progress to meet and finally blend at the threshold of the pursued goal into one harmonious whole, the key-note in nature--सत्. Absolute justice makes no difference between the many and the few. Therefore, while thanking the majority of the "[[London Lodge\|L.L]]" [[Theosophist]]s for their "loyalty" to us their invisible teachers, we must at the same time,

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	'''NOTES:'''		'''NOTES:'''
	*'''सत्''' is the devanāgarī script for the [[Sanskrit]] word "[[Sat]]", meaning "Truth" "Reality" or (ultimate) "Self".		*'''सत्''' is the devanāgarī script for the [[Sanskrit]] word "[[Sat]]", meaning "Truth" "Reality" or (ultimate) "[[Self]]".

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	remind them that their President, Mrs. Kingsford, is loyal and true also — to that which she believes to be the Truth. And, as she is thus loyal and true to her convictions, however small the minority that may side with her at present, the majority led by Mr. Sinnett, our representative in London, cannot with justice charge her with the guilt, which — since she has emphatically disclaimed all intention of breaking the letter or the spirit of Article VI of the Rules of the Parent Theos. Society (which please see and read) — is one only in the eyes of those who would be rather too severe. Every Western Theosophist should learn and remember, especially those of them who would be our followers — that in our Brotherhood, all personalities sink into one idea — abstract right and absolute practical justice for all. And that, though we may not say with the Christians, "return good for evil" — we repeat with Confucius — "return good for good; for evil — JUSTICE." Thus, the Theosophists of Mrs. K.'s way of thinking, — were they even to oppose some of us personally to the bitter end, — are entitled to as much respect and consideration (so long as they are sincere) from us and their fellow-members of opposite views, as those who are ready with Mr. Sinnett to follow absolutely but our special teaching. A		remind them that their President, [[Anna Bonus Kingsford\|Mrs. Kingsford]], is loyal and true also — to that which she believes to be the Truth. And, as she is thus loyal and true to her convictions, however small the minority that may side with her at present, the majority led by [[Alfred Percy Sinnett\|Mr. Sinnett]], our representative in London, cannot with justice charge her with the guilt, which — since she has emphatically disclaimed all intention of breaking the letter or the spirit of Article VI of the Rules of the Parent Theos. Society (which please see and read) — is one only in the eyes of those who would be rather too severe. Every Western Theosophist should learn and remember, especially those of them who would be our followers — that in our Brotherhood, all personalities sink into one idea — abstract right and absolute practical justice for all. And that, though we may not say with the Christians, "return good for evil" — we repeat with Confucius — "return good for good; for evil — JUSTICE." Thus, the Theosophists of Mrs. K.'s way of thinking, — were they even to oppose some of us personally to the bitter end, — are entitled to as much respect and consideration (so long as they are sincere) from us and their fellow-members of opposite views, as those who are ready with Mr. Sinnett to follow absolutely but our special teaching. A

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	admitted fact that the marvellous success of the [[Theosophical Society]] in India is due entirely to its principle of wise and respectful toleration of each other's opinions and beliefs. Not even the [[Henry Steel Olcott\|President-Founder]] has the right directly or indirectly to interfere with the [[Freedom of Thought\|freedom of thought]] of the humblest member, least of all to seek to influence his personal opinion. It is only in the absence of this generous consideration, that even the faintest shadow of difference arms seekers after the same truth, otherwise earnest and sincere, with the scorpion-whip of hatred against their brothers, equally sincere and earnest. Deluded victims of distorted truth, they forget, or never knew, that discord is the harmony of the Universe. Thus in the Theos. Society, each part, as in the glorious fugues of the immortal Mozart, ceaselessly chases the other in harmonious discord on the paths of Eternal progress to meet and finally blend at the threshold of the pursued goal into one harmonious whole, the key-note in nature--सत्. Absolute justice makes no difference between the many and the few. Therefore, while thanking the majority of the "[[London Lodge\|L.L]]" [[Theosophist]]s for their "loyalty" to us their invisible teachers, we must at the same time,		admitted fact that the marvellous success of the [[Theosophical Society]] in India is due entirely to its principle of wise and respectful toleration of each other's opinions and beliefs. Not even the [[Henry Steel Olcott\|President-Founder]] has the right directly or indirectly to interfere with the [[Freedom of Thought\|freedom of thought]] of the humblest member, least of all to seek to influence his personal opinion. It is only in the absence of this generous consideration, that even the faintest shadow of difference arms seekers after the same truth, otherwise earnest and sincere, with the scorpion-whip of hatred against their brothers, equally sincere and earnest. Deluded victims of distorted truth, they forget, or never knew, that discord is the harmony of the Universe. Thus in the Theos. Society, each part, as in the glorious fugues of the immortal Mozart, ceaselessly chases the other in harmonious discord on the paths of Eternal progress to meet and finally blend at the threshold of the pursued goal into one harmonious whole, the key-note in nature – – सत्. Absolute justice makes no difference between the many and the few. Therefore, while thanking the majority of the "[[London Lodge\|L.L]]" [[Theosophist]]s for their "loyalty" to us their invisible teachers, we must at the same time,

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	dutiful regard for these rules in life will always promote the best interests of all concerned. It is necessary for the parallel progress of the groups under [[Anna Bonus Kingsford\|Mrs. K.]] and [[Alfred Percy Sinnett\|Mr. S.]] that neither should interfere with the beliefs and rights of the other. And it is seriously expected that both of them will be actuated by an earnest and sleepless desire to respect the philosophical independence of each other, while preserving at the same time their unity as a whole — namely the objects of the [[Parent Society\|Parent Theos. Society]] in their integrity — and those of the [[London Lodge]], in their slight modification. We wish the London Society should preserve its harmony in division like the Indian Branches where the representatives of all the different schools of [[Hinduism]] seek to study [[Science#Occult Science\|Esoteric Sciences]] and the Wisdom of old, without necessarily giving up for it their respective beliefs. Each Branch, often members of the same Branch — Christian converts included in some cases — study [[Esoteric Philosophy\|esoteric philosophy]] each in his own way, yet always knitting together brotherly hands for the furtherance of the common objects of the [[Theosophical Society\|Society]]. To carry out this programme, it is desirable that the "London Lodge" should be administered by, at least, fourteen Councillors — one half openly inclining towards the [[Esoteric Christianity\|Christian Esotericism]] as represented by Mrs. K., and the other half following [[Esoteric Philosophy#Esoteric_Philosophy#Arhat_Esoteric_Philosophy\|Buddhist Esotericism]] as		dutiful regard for these rules in life will always promote the best interests of all concerned. It is necessary for the parallel progress of the groups under [[Anna Bonus Kingsford\|Mrs. K.]] and [[Alfred Percy Sinnett\|Mr. S.]] that neither should interfere with the beliefs and rights of the other. And it is seriously expected that both of them will be actuated by an earnest and sleepless desire to respect the philosophical independence of each other, while preserving at the same time their unity as a whole — namely the objects of the [[Parent Society\|Parent Theos. Society]] in their integrity — and those of the [[London Lodge]], in their slight modification. We wish the London Society should preserve its harmony in division like the Indian Branches where the representatives of all the different schools of [[Hinduism]] seek to study [[Science#Occult Science\|Esoteric Sciences]] and the Wisdom of old, without necessarily giving up for it their respective beliefs. Each Branch, often members of the same Branch — Christian converts included in some cases — study [[Esoteric Philosophy\|esoteric philosophy]] each in his own way, yet always knitting together brotherly hands for the furtherance of the common objects of the [[Theosophical Society\|Society]]. To carry out this programme, it is desirable that the "London Lodge" should be administered by, at least, fourteen Councillors — one half openly inclining towards the [[Christianity#Esoteric Christianity\|Christian Esotericism]] as represented by Mrs. K., and the other half following [[Esoteric Philosophy#Esoteric_Philosophy#Arhat_Esoteric_Philosophy\|Buddhist Esotericism]] as

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	remind them that their President, [[Anna Bonus Kingsford\|Mrs. Kingsford]], is loyal and true also — to that which she believes to be the Truth. And, as she is thus loyal and true to her convictions, however small the minority that may side with her at present, the majority led by [[Alfred Percy Sinnett\|Mr. Sinnett]], our representative in London, cannot with justice charge her with the guilt, which — since she has emphatically disclaimed all intention of breaking the letter or the spirit of Article VI of the Rules of the Parent Theos. Society (which please see and read) — is one only in the eyes of those who would be rather too severe. Every Western Theosophist should learn and remember, especially those of them who would be our followers — that in our Brotherhood, all personalities sink into one idea — abstract right and absolute practical justice for all. And that, though we may not say with the Christians, "return good for evil" — we repeat with Confucius — "return good for good; for evil — JUSTICE." Thus, the Theosophists of Mrs. K.'s way of thinking, — were they even to oppose some of us personally to the bitter end, — are entitled to as much respect and consideration (so long as they are sincere) from us and their fellow-members of opposite views, as those who are ready with Mr. Sinnett to follow absolutely but our special teaching. A		remind them that their President, [[Anna Bonus Kingsford\|Mrs. Kingsford]], is loyal and true also — to that which she believes to be the Truth. And, as she is thus loyal and true to her convictions, however small the minority that may side with her at present, the majority led by [[Alfred Percy Sinnett\|Mr. Sinnett]], our representative in London, cannot with justice charge her with the guilt, which — since she has emphatically disclaimed all intention of breaking the letter or the spirit of Article VI of the Rules of the [[Parent Society\|Parent Theos. Society]] (which please see and read) — is one only in the eyes of those who would be rather too severe. Every Western [[Theosophist]] should learn and remember, especially those of them who would be our followers — that in our [[Universal Brotherhood\|Brotherhood]], all personalities sink into one idea — abstract right and absolute practical justice for all. And that, though we may not say with the [[Christianity\|Christians]], "return good for [[evil]]" — we repeat with Confucius — "return good for good; for evil — JUSTICE." Thus, the Theosophists of [[Anna Bonus Kingsford\|Mrs. K.]]'s way of thinking, — were they even to oppose some of us personally to the bitter end, — are entitled to as much respect and consideration (so long as they are sincere) from us and their fellow-members of opposite views, as those who are ready with Mr. Sinnett to follow absolutely but our special teaching. A

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	dutiful regard for these rules in life will always promote the best interests of all concerned. It is necessary for the parallel progress of the groups under Mrs. K. and Mr. S. that neither should interfere with the beliefs and rights of the other. And it is seriously expected that both of them will be actuated by an earnest and sleepless desire to respect the philosophical independence of each other, while preserving at the same time their unity as a whole — namely the objects of the Parent Theos. Society in their integrity — and those of the London Lodge, in their slight modification. We wish the London Society should preserve its harmony in division like the Indian Branches where the representatives of all the different schools of Hinduism seek to study Esoteric Sciences and the Wisdom of old, without necessarily giving up for it their respective beliefs. Each Branch, often members of the same Branch — Christian converts included in some cases — study esoteric philosophy each in his own way, yet always knitting together brotherly hands for the furtherance of the common objects of the Society. To carry out this programme, it is desirable that the "London Lodge" should be administered by, at least, fourteen Councillors — one half openly inclining towards the Christian Esotericism as represented by Mrs. K., and the other half following Buddhist Esotericism as		dutiful regard for these rules in life will always promote the best interests of all concerned. It is necessary for the parallel progress of the groups under [[Anna Bonus Kingsford\|Mrs. K.]] and [[Alfred Percy Sinnett\|Mr. S.]] that neither should interfere with the beliefs and rights of the other. And it is seriously expected that both of them will be actuated by an earnest and sleepless desire to respect the philosophical independence of each other, while preserving at the same time their unity as a whole — namely the objects of the [[Parent Society\|Parent Theos. Society]] in their integrity — and those of the [[London Lodge]], in their slight modification. We wish the London Society should preserve its harmony in division like the Indian Branches where the representatives of all the different schools of [[Hinduism]] seek to study [[Science#Occult Science\|Esoteric Sciences]] and the Wisdom of old, without necessarily giving up for it their respective beliefs. Each Branch, often members of the same Branch — Christian converts included in some cases — study [[Esoteric Philosophy\|esoteric philosophy]] each in his own way, yet always knitting together brotherly hands for the furtherance of the common objects of the [[Theosophical Society\|Society]]. To carry out this programme, it is desirable that the "London Lodge" should be administered by, at least, fourteen Councillors — one half openly inclining towards the [[Esoteric Christianity\|Christian Esotericism]] as represented by Mrs. K., and the other half following [[Esoteric Philosophy#Esoteric_Philosophy#Arhat_Esoteric_Philosophy\|Buddhist Esotericism]] as

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	represented by Mr. S.; all important business to be transacted by majority of votes. We are well aware of and quite alive to the difficulties of such an arrangement. Yet, it seems absolutely necessary in order to re-establish the lost harmony. The constitution of the "London Lodge" has to be amended and can be so amended if the members would but try; and so bring about more strength in such friendly division than in forced unity.		represented by [[Alfred Percy Sinnett\|Mr. S.]]; all important business to be transacted by majority of votes. We are well aware of and quite alive to the difficulties of such an arrangement. Yet, it seems absolutely necessary in order to re-establish the lost harmony. The constitution of the "[[London Lodge]]" has to be amended and can be so amended if the members would but try; and so bring about more strength in such friendly division than in forced unity.

	Unless, therefore, both Mrs. Kingsford and Mr. Sinnett agree to disagree in details and work in strict unison for the chief objects as laid down in the Rules of the Parent Society, we can have no hand in the future development and progress of the London Lodge.		Unless, therefore, both [[Anna Bonus Kingsford\|Mrs. Kingsford]] and Mr. Sinnett agree to disagree in details and work in strict unison for the chief objects as laid down in the Rules of the [[Parent Society]], we can have no hand in the future development and progress of the London Lodge.

	K. H.		[[Koot Hoomi\|K. H.]]

	December 7th, 1883,		December 7th, 1883,