Hence, the Buddhistic, Vedantic and Magian, or
Zoroastrian systems were taught in the Eclectic Theosophical School
along with all the philosophies of Greece. Hence also, that
pre-eminently Buddhistic and Indian feature among the ancient
Theosophists of Alexandria, of due reverence for parents and aged
persons, a fraternal affection for the whole human race, and a
compassionate feeling for even the dumb animals. While seeking to
establish a system of moral discipline which enforced upon people the
duty to live according to the laws of their respective countries, to
exalt their minds by the research and contemplation of the one Absolute
Truth; his chief object, in order, as he believed, to achieve all
others, was to extract from the various religious teachings, as from a
many-chorded instrument, one full and harmonious melody, which would
find response in every truth-loving heart.
Theosophy is, then, the archaic Wisdom-Religion, the esoteric doctrine
once known in every ancient country having claims to civilization. This
"Wisdom" all the old writings show us as an emanation of the Divine
Principle; and the clear comprehension of it is typified in such names
as the Indian Buddh, the Babylonian Nebo, the Thoth of Memphis, the
Hermes of Greece; in the appellations, also, of some goddesses--Metis,
Neitha, Athena, the Gnostic Sophia; and, finally, the Vedas, from the
word "to know.
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