Theos-Talk Archives (March 2005 Message tt00482)

Freedom of thought is among the most important principles of the 
Theosophical Society. Below are extracts from the official 
declaration of the Theosophical Society, Adyar.


"As the Theosophical Society has spread far and wide over the world, 
and as members of all religions have become members of it without 
surrendering the special dogmas, teachings and beliefs of their 
respective faiths, it is thought desirable to emphasize the fact that 
there is no doctrine, no opinion, by whomsoever taught or held, that 
is in any way binding on any member of the Society, none which any 
member is not free to accept or reject." 

" No teacher, or writer, from H.P. Blavatsky onwards, has any 
authority to impose his or her teachings or opinions on members. 
Every member has an equal right to follow any school of thought, but 
has no right to force the choice on any other."

and 

" Opinions or beliefs neither bestow privileges nor inflict 
penalties. The Members of the General Council earnestly request every 
member of the Theosophical Society to maintain, defend and act upon 
these fundamental principles of the Society, and also fearlessly to 
exercise the right of liberty of thought and of expression thereof, 
within the limits of courtesy and consideration for others."

Anand Gholap