INTOLERANCE IS . . . 

Condemning in uncharitable words another person.

Falsely criticizing another person with uncharitable and unbrotherly feeling.

Condemning a person because of his or her opinions.

  Refusing to investigate something because it disagrees with our previous experience and accepted ideas.

  Concluding that all religions, philosophies, as well as all human actions other than one’s own, are false.

  Sitting in judgment of others.

  Casting out of our heart those that we have withdrawn from, refusing to forgive and forget.

  Intolerance is personal.

  Dogmatic rigidity that does not invite close investigation.

                                                                                INTOLERANCE IS NOT . . .

  Speaking the truth at all costs if a wrong act is going to injure or endanger others.

  Pointing out facts, however unpleasant they may be.

  Preferring not to associate with everything and everyone who demands it.

  Refusing to surrender our convictions and discrimination in order to accept everything.

  Concluding that all religions, philosophies, as well as human actions, are not right.

  Judging the principle involved as the cause and basis of action, based on knowledge.

  Withdrawing in silence from one who errs and hurts only himself or herself, allowing them a chance to learn and           change.

   Impersonal questioning of what is involved before rejecting

  A bold declaration of Truth, based on fact, reason, and investigation.

                                                                           Quotes from
                                                                 Some Words on Daily Life 
                                                                                  from a
                                                                        Master of Wisdom

It is divine philosophy alone, the spiritual and psychic blending of man with nature, which, by revealing the fundamental truths that lie hidden under the objects of sense and perception, can promote a spirit of unity and harmony in spite of the great diversities of conflicting creeds. Theosophy, therefore, expects and demands from the Fellows of the Society a great mutual toleration and charity for each other's shortcomings, ungrudging mutual help in the search for truths in every department of nature - moral and physical. And this ethical standard must be unflinchingly applied to daily life.

Theosophy should not represent merely a collection of moral verities, a bundle of metaphysical ethics, epitomized in theoretical dissertations. Theosophy must be made practical; and it has, therefore, to be disencumbered of useless digressions, in the sense of desultory orations and fine talk.

Theosophy can only find objective expression in an all-embracing code of life, thoroughly impregnated with the spirit of mutual tolerance, charity, and brotherly love. Its Society, as a body, has a task before it which, unless performed with the utmost discretion, will cause the world of the indifferent and the selfish to rise up in arms against it. Theosophy has to fight intolerance, prejudice, ignorance and selfishness, hidden under the mantle of hypocrisy. It has to throw all the light it can from the torch of Truth, with which its servants are entrusted. It must do this without fear or hesitation, dreading neither reproof nor condemnation.

The problem of true Theosophy and its great mission are, first, the working out of clear unequivocal conceptions of ethic ideas and duties, such as shall best and most fully satisfy the right and altruistic feelings in men; and second, the modeling of these conceptions for their adaptation into such forms of daily life, as shall offer a field where they may be applied with most equitableness.

Such is the common work placed before all who are willing to act on these principles. It is a laborious task, and will require strenuous and persevering exertion; but it must lead you insensibly to progress, and leave you no room for any selfish aspirations outside the limits traced . .

. . Do not indulge personally in unbrotherly comparison between the task accomplished by yourself and the work left undone by your neighbors or brothers. In the fields of Theosophy none is held to weed out a larger plot of ground than his strength and capacity will permit him. Do not be too severe on the merits or demerits of one who seeks admission among your ranks, as the truth about the actual state of the inner man can only be known to Karma, and can be dealt with justly by that all-seeing Law alone. Even the simple presence amidst you of a well-intentioned and sympathizing individual may help you magnetically. . . . . You are free volunteer workers on the fields of Truth, and as such must leave no obstruction on the paths to that field.

The degree of success or failure are the landmarks the masters have to follow, as they will constitute the barriers placed with your own hands between yourselves and those whom you have asked to be your teachers. The nearer you approach to the goal contemplated - the shorter the distance between the student and the Master.

       “Theosophical Independence”  is produced monthly by Associates of The United Lodge of Theosophists in Philadelphia.  Comments, questions and contributions for publication may be sent to The United Lodge of Theosophists, 1917 Walnut Street,   Philadelphia, PA  19103.

       The contents of this newsletter are provided freely and anonymously.  It may be reproduced without permission.