Universal Brotherhood

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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.[1]

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."[2]


you have ever discussed but to put down the idea of a universal Brotherhood, questioned its usefulness, and advised to remodel the T.S. on the principle of a college for the special study of occultism. This, my respected and esteemed friend and Brother — will never do!

it has been constantly our wish to spread on the Western Continent among the foremost educated classes “Branches” of the T.S. as the harbingers of a Universal Brotherhood

The term “Universal Brotherhood” is no idle phrase. Humanity in the mass has a paramount claim upon us, as I try to explain in my letter to Mr. Hume, which you had better ask the loan of. It is the only secure foundation for universal morality. If it be a dream, it is at least a noble one for mankind: and it is the aspiration of the true adept.

Notes

  1. Ransom, J. A Short History of the TS (????1938:545)
  2. Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence No. 10 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), ???.


Further reading