Hi all.
I first read some theosophical literature about 15 years ago mainly in the form of An Abridgement of the Secret Doctrine. Reading theat was like banging one's head against a brick wall then shortly afterwards being repeatedly hit over the head by a large frying pan! This time Ive opted for At the feet of the master for some introductory reading. It seems to have many similarities with buddhism as far as moral and spiritual conduct are concerned. It is a short and a simple message that runs very deep. Would I be correct in thinking that sorting out one's spititual and moral life is a prerequisite for any practical study of theosophy. Is it any more important than say intellectual capability and application or skills in yoga etc? is living a "clean life" the vital building block for a theosophical aspirant?

Paul,

I agree. I think some Theosophists spend a great deal of time intellectualizing, when they need to spend more time reading devotional books like At The Feet of the Master. I have seen the study of Theosophy turn into intellectual hair-splitting, which we need to do less of.

By they way, there is a book of commentary on At The Feet of the Master.

Thoughts on "At the Feet of the Master" by George S.Arundale
http://www.theosophical.ca/ThoughtsAtFeet1GA.htm

The whole purpose of Theosophy is to get us on the Path, through the Path, and into Adeptship.

You asked,

"Would I be correct in thinking that sorting out one's spititual and moral life is a prerequisite for any practical study of theosophy?"

--> Perhaps the two can be done simultaneously?

"Is it any more important than say intellectual capability and application or skills in yoga etc?"

--> I believe both are important.

"... is living a "clean life" the vital building block for a theosophical aspirant?"

--> Yes. The whole purpose of Theosophy is to show us how to change our lifestyle for the better.

I am reminded of a writing of Blavatsky's. She said that many people will find Theosophy unacceptable because it asks them to make many difficult changes in their life. (This, she said, is why our membership numbers are so small.) I believe she was right.

Paul, you might take a look under - Introductory Writings on Theosophy.

Ethics of an altruistic leaning are the foundation in Theosophy. Here is Blavatsky, from her Key to Theosophy:
==================

The Ethics of Theosophy are more important than any divulgement of psychic laws and facts. The latter relate wholly to the material and evanescent part of the septenary man, but the Ethics sink into and take hold of the real man -- the reincarnating Ego....

ENQUIRER. Are not the ethics of Theosophy identical with those taught by Buddha?

THEOSOPHIST. Certainly, because these ethics are the soul of the Wisdom-Religion, and were once the common property of the initiates of all nations. But Buddha was the first to embody these lofty ethics in his public teachings, and to make them the foundation and the very essence of his public system. It is herein that lies the immense difference between exoteric Buddhism and every other religion. For while in other religions ritualism and dogma hold the first and most important place, in Buddhism it is the ethics which have always been the most insisted upon. This accounts for the resemblance, amounting almost to identity, between the ethics of Theosophy and those of the religion of Buddha.

Here is The Key to Theosophy that Nicholas has mentioned.

Blavatsky, Helena, The Key to Theosophy (online)
http://www.theosociety.org/pasadena/key/key-1.htm
Blavatsky, Helena, The Key to Theosophy (hardcopy)
http://www.theosociety.org/pasadena/ts/key.htm

Thanks for the links and suggested reading. I'm going to Wales for a couple of days but I'll be sure to read them when I get back. Paul.

Paul,

Dr. Bartzokas lives in Wales and is a good theosophical student. In this "Reading" forum you will notice (or maybe you have already) his book on Compassion. In that thread an email contact and website is given.