The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1894-08-16
LECTURE ON TIIE0S0PHY.
THE DOCTRINE AS EXPLAINED by
MRS. THIRDS
of Spiritual ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
u Delusion.

first of series OF lectures to be delivered
by that lady in Honolulu.
The meeting was opened by Mr.. NJ.
p. Robinson, who in few words intro
duced the lecturer. The following is
the substance of Mrs. Thirds address:
1 think this evening, in my opening
address, l will say something of the
mission of Theosophy. My reason in
choosing this subject for my first
lecture is that there are SO many mis-
conceptions of us, our beliefs and dis
beliefs, our aims and our ends. Our
objects may be classed under three
heads: First-To form a nucleus OF
universal brotherhood. Second-To
study all Oriental philosophy and
sciences in quest of broader knowledge.
Third-To investigate the UNEMPLOYED
realms of nature and learn their secrets.
Cooperation is the watchword of
to-day. In singleness is weakness,
and only in union is strength; therefore
do we organize and work together. Our
organization differs from any Others in
many particulars. The intent is not
to attain any religious or intellectual
purpose. Surely no intellectual end can
be attained in universal brotherhood.
Where there is no philanthropy there is
always some philosophical prin-
ciple which binds men together.
Our idea is not brotherhood from the
mind, not surface sentiment, but a con-
dition of the heart. The fundamental
idea of the Philosophical society is that
there are nuggets of gold in all re-
ligions, all PHILOSOPHERS and in all
sciences. Nothing is promulgated but
what in it the truth can be found. In
appears truth and really the same ideas.
Therefore, say that all religions are
practically the same. In Theosophy we
do not look alone in one religion to find
a greater knowledge and higher life.
Theosophists look to the spirit for
everything. All natural things come
from and go back to that. The earth
10 d COHutIodtlOH. OuCt IL was uOll1luRs
later molten sphere whirling in space;
still later the hardened globe as we see
it to-day. And so with men, by all of
whom the assertion is verified. Like
the W rid, man sprnng from the mind
plain, the spirit, and densified, grew
more and more dense until an ethereal
body was formed. Before this we lived
in world of causes. In the ethereal
state, however, we are better able to
understand spiritual things. That we
can study the spiritual life is divine
wisdom ever preserved and periodically
brought to the knowledge of man
kind.
The mission OF the Theosopical Society
may also be classed under three heads,
First-To call members away from one
or personal belief long enough to study
the idea OF others in the hope of getting
at the genuine or first truth. If all men
will tolerate the views of others, will
admit that every person has right to
his own opinion and mankind will live
up to this principle, the world will not
only reach forward to higher know
ledge, but universal brotherhood will be
fact.
Theosophy makes war upon nothing
save material things and ideas. "Mat-
ter is delusion." The kenetiscope,
whereby pictures of an object in various
positions is projected upon the canvass
in such rapid succession as to make the
figure appear in motion, will serve as an
illustration. By it moving objects, as
for instance a woman in the act OF
dancing, is brought out clearly. May it
not be then that on account of this vi
bration in the universe, we are delud-
ed in our conceptions OF material thingsf
The second mission of Theosophy is to
bring back to the world as much as has
been preserved OF that ancient spiritual
knowledge. The same degree of mys-
terry, as we are accustomed to classify it
has not always invested the subject
The sages could soar above the scope Of
our most complete knowledge. We hold
that all material things are mere COL.
densations OF spiritual things. There
fore, all who know the spiritual mus
know the universe.
In the western world we have thought
more of material things. Money-makine
has been the chief aim of our people
and the spiritual life has been neglected
When the knowledge of spiritual life
comes to man, with greater destiny
than he had ever dreamed of, all thu
influences by which he was led befor,
will proceed upon higher plane. NJ
one who aspires in the spiritual ant
fixes his eyes upon his great destiny car
fail in practical life.
The Theosophical Society is young
yet, only eighteen years of age; but W.
now have branches in every country o
the world and friends in every tongue
We have brought to America some o
the oldest books OF the world, written il
all languages, and have revealed thei
truths.
Theosophy is becoming a household
word, and thousands of people are nov
reading its books and studying it
doctrine.
The third mission OF Theosophy is
matter with the individual. 1t is TO in
culate and to teach as far as possible
tolerance. Theosophy says that eacl
man shall think for himself; and Theos
ophy is right. Man can only grow il
his own way. II we err in nature
teachings we are punished by suffering
if we are right we know we are right be
cause we are led onw ard.
At this point in the lecture Mrs. bird
paused and inquired if any one in tn
audience had any question to ask an