43. Can Theosophy be Presented in a Popular Way?

The following question is asked: “If Theosophy is really to have an impact on our lives today, its teachings must be generally comprehensible. However, it seems that in this respect, the writings and lectures on theosophical topics leave much to be desired. They all presuppose a certain level of training in thinking, and it is difficult to hope that they will find their way into wider circles. Sometimes it seems as if 'Theosophy' requires such a high level of education that it is impossible to make it popular. Or is there a way out of this danger?

It should not be denied that the concerns expressed here seem to have a certain justification. However, on closer inspection they will disappear. Above all, it must be realized that the Theosophical movement has only existed for thirty years. It has therefore not yet been able to do what is needed in all areas. It will find ways and means to speak to every level of education. For it can find a form that is understandable to the simple, naive person, as well as one that satisfies the strictest demands of the scientific thinker. But one thing must not be overlooked. Often, when the difficulty of understanding theosophical teachings is mentioned, it is not because they are intrinsically difficult to understand, but because the present-day world of ideas feels alienated by what the theosophists put forward. And then the listeners or readers do not say to themselves that the things are unusual to them, but they simply claim: we do not understand that. It is not a lack of education, but rather a lack of impartiality that is often the problem in this regard. For Theosophy says nothing that is not fundamentally inscribed in the core of every human being. And to bring this out, it is not scholarship but rather good will that is needed.

In our time, there is often a lack of awareness that one has to work one's way up to knowledge. People want everything to be presented in such a way that they can fit it into what they already think and feel without any effort. To consult with oneself, to do inner spiritual work, to exert oneself in thinking: these things have been forgotten in the broadest circles. The most popular speakers and writers are those from whom one hears or reads what, on superficial hearing or reading, appears to be something more or less familiar. However, it is not always possible for those who speak about spiritual things to respond to this characteristic of the times. They know that it is of no use if someone only makes a superficial acquaintance with what they have to say. As long as one remains in the sphere of the world of sense, it is possible to satisfy every demand for easy comprehensibility. But if one rises into the spiritual sphere, it would mean that one renounces altogether to say things as they must be said according to the truth.

One should not only demand that spiritual teachings be adapted to the understanding that one has at the time, but one should feel the obligation to adapt oneself to these teachings. One should bear in mind that the human soul is capable of development. What it cannot understand today will certainly be accessible to it tomorrow. It would be good if we heard as little as possible the objection to certain presentations of the truth: “This is too high. It should be presented in a more popular way.” It would be more correct to recognize that it is necessary to make the “high” popular as such. Man does not gain very much by simply taking note of this or that; but it is of great use to him if he refines his ideas, if he acquires concepts that he did not have before. It is certainly very desirable that, for example, the teachings of “reincarnation” and “karma”, of the “higher worlds” and so on, should become known in the widest circles. But these teachings can only be seen in the right light when they are illuminated by inner thought work. It should certainly not be believed that there are people who, due to their low level of education, are unsuitable for such thought work. All healthy-minded and sensitive people are capable of it. It would only take a little effort, and even those who have never learned to read or write could be taught the basic tenets of Theosophy. Such people often have a much stronger feeling than those who have forgotten, that they must make an inner effort to understand what leads to the spiritual worlds.

Recently, after a theosophical lecture on Christianity, a clergyman who had been listening said: yes, that is all very well and good; but these teachings can only ever be for a chosen few, whereas we speak of the spiritual worlds in such a way that 'all' can understand us. The theosophical speaker had to reply: “If you were really right, then I would not need to speak at all, and then Theosophy would indeed be the most superfluous thing in the world at the present time. But if you were right, then there could not be so many who turn away from your description of the spiritual world because they feel unsatisfied. It is clear proof of how wrong you are that such a departure is possible. And precisely those who no longer find the path to the spiritual through you, they can find it through Theosophy.” If only people would pay more attention to the “actual” truths and less to the opinions they form without paying much attention to the facts. It is not important that I imagine I have the right way to speak to “everyone”, but it is important that I really observe the facts. The above-mentioned clergyman has disregarded the latter. He is convinced from the outset that “his” way of teaching can be something for “everyone”. A look at the real world could convince him of the opposite. Similar answers can be found wherever doubts like the above are expressed. A precise examination of the nature and purpose of Theosophy will dispel doubts that it can become popular.