Universal Brotherhood

Universal Brotherhood appeared as the first Object of the Theosophical Society in 1881, as follows:

First — To form the nucleus of a Universal Brotherhood of Humanity, the obvious philanthropic value of which must be beyond dispute, while the esoteric significance of a union formed on that plan, is conceived by the Founders, for reasons derived from a study of Oriental Philosophy, to be of great importance.

In 1896 the Theosophical Society with International Headquarters in Adyar, India, gave the first Object its definitive form which it has today:

1. To form a nucleus of the Universal Brotherhood of Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour.

The Theosophical Society with International Headquarters in Pasadena, California, mentions the idea of brotherhood in its third object as follows:

3- To form an active brotherhood among men.

Universal brotherhood in the Mahatma letters

It is important to notice the word "universal" along with "brotherhood". The aim of the Theosophical Society is not merely to bring together people of a certain race, creed, caste, etc., but to gather people around a central aim without distinctions. Mahatma K. H. defined it as "an association of 'affinities' of strong magnetic yet dissimilar forces and polarities centred around one dominant idea."

Further reading

• Triad at Theosopedia