The Path of Compassion

G de Purucker on the bodhisattva path that Theosophy encourages.

http://www.theosociety.org/pasadena/fso/ptcom-hp.htm

Here is how it begins:

PASSING ON THE LIGHT

There is but one occultism, one truth. The fountain of wisdom on this earth is the Brotherhood of adepts, the spiritual heart of the world, from which streams unceasingly a flow of inspiration and enlightenment. It is the one supreme source from which have derived all the facets of truth that the religious and philosophical systems of the world contain. From there come forth not only the great sages and teachers from time to time as the guides and instructors of men, but also envoys or messengers, whether known or unknown, who work in the world for the benefit of mankind.

This fountain-source of wisdom is formed of the noblest spiritual and intellectual giants that humanity has ever produced -- men who have become at one with the god within. Knowing each other they band together and thus form the great school of light and truth, the great Brotherhood. Called by various names in different ages, the higher ones are known in Buddhist countries as Dhyani-chohans; the ancient Persians referred to the members of this solar hierarchy as Amshaspends. Jewish mystics and Qabbalists spoke of them as Bnei 'Elohim, Sons of the Gods; and in other countries they were called Sons of Light, or Sons of the Sun as in ancient Egypt.

thank you.

Long ago Kwan Yin dedicated all her lives to the spiritual service of all beings. In words as well as deeds she expressed her vow or pledge. The theosophist Raghavan Iyer expounds on the power and meaning of this altruistic pledge: http://theosophytrust.org/tlodocs/PledgeKY.htm

Thank you, Skull. Guan Shi Yin is the archetype of this path, and I am glad that she was mentioned here. Not only is she the embodiment of compassion, but she also perfectly illustrates what Purucker mentions in the article about one Truth with different names. The Indian Bodhisattva of Compassion found in Mahayana Buddhism is Avalokitesvara, who is perceived to be male. When Mahayana was imported to China, Avalokitesvara became Guan Shi Yin, who is female, and she became not only a Buddhist Bodhisattva, but a Daoist Immortal as well, and was elevated to deity status. Now known as the Iron Goddess of Compassion, the one who hears and answers all prayers and the cries of the world, she is also seen as synonymous with the Virgin Mary and Tara, along with similar figures in other traditions. Also, Guan Yin is yet another manifestation of the Goddess in various systems, be it Hecate, Diana, Kali, Shakti, Isis, or whomever. Here we have proof that there is indeed no religion higher than Truth.

That was inspiring.

we are all connected, and there may be different names for who we believe in but we who are Theosophists have one goal and that is to help mankind and sacrifice ourselves as Gods to become bodhisattvas, some will and some won't , as some will trod the path of god hood while the bodhisattvas will help mankind. that is indeed a truly unselfish act.