What is the United Lodge of Theosophists

The United Lodge of Theosophists is an association of students of Theosophy which came into being through the determination of a small number of Theosophists to pursue the objectives of the Theosophical Movement without organizational distractions and formalities. The conception of U.L.T. (United Lodge of Theosophists) as a vehicle for Theosophical work derives mainly from the experience and insight of Robert Crosbie, a man who, throughout a long association with the original Theosophical Society, was witness to the schisms and divisions caused in the movement by organizational claims, controversy over "authority," and the competition of personal leaders. In 1909, with the help of a few others who had come to share his unsectarian view of Theosophy, Mr. Crosbie formed the United Lodge of Theosophists - a body which was defined by a simple statement of policies and intentions - and set about the task of restoring the record of the Theosophical teachings available to the public and inaugurating a program of practical Theosophical education. There has been no change, from that day to this, in the U.L.T. statement of purpose, called the "Declaration," and little alteration (none in principle) in the modes of work established by Mr. Crosbie during his lifetime.

Although study and understanding of Theosophy are regarded by its advocates and supporters as a Lifetime undertaking, a general view of this philosophy is necessary to a comprehension of U.L.T. The basic idea is that there is in every human being the latent capacity for self-knowledge, for self-reliant decision on all the great questions, and for progress in understanding through the study and application of philosophy in daily life. While people may and do learn from one another -and, indeed, learn better and more rapidly in cooperative association than in any other way - each individual is ultimately responsible for his own growth, and is himself the only final authority concerning what he will accept as knowledge and truth. It follows that the best association is one which provides a maximum of individual freedom and at the same time full opportunity for contact and collaboration with others who are endeavoring to move in the same direction.

What, then, is the ground of unity among students of Theosophy in U.L.T. ? It is agreement on the Objects of the Theosophical Movement and on the proposition that the teachings of Theosophy are the best available guides to an understanding of those Objects and to the planning of work in their behalf. Stated briefly, they are:

1. To form the nucleus of Universal Brotherhood of Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, cast, or color;
2. The study of ancient and modern religions, philosophies and sciences, and the demonstration of the importance of such study; and
3. The investigation of the unexplained laws of Nature and the psychical powers latent in man.