Study, application and promulgation of the genuine teachings of Theosophy as given out by Madame Blavatsky constitute the triple foundation for the work of the United Lodge of Theosophists. Every true student of Theosophy who feels for the Cause of the great Masters of Wisdom and Compassion has to keep in his mind and heart this threefold task which he has to carry out for the moral and spiritual upliftment of humanity. In order to get acquainted with the principles for which Theosophy stands, study is essential, and this necessarily includes reflection on the subject studied. Study brings about a change of ideas, a new attitude of mind and heart, leading to the application of the principles in however small a measure. It is easy to know about them, but when it comes to actual practice, one realizes the difficulty. If, however, one persists diligently, one will gradually succeed. Then, an inner awakening in the individual brings into play the third aspect of the trinity—promulgation. The student comes to recognize his own responsibility of sharing with others what he has learnt, and of helping the work through example and precept. Study by itself, without application, would remain barren; and application would be fruitless without promulgation. The pure waters of the Wisdom-Religion must ever flow on to make the mental and moral soil of human nature more fertile.

"Point out the 'Way'" is one of the most valuable instructions of The Voice of the Silence, the "Book of the Golden Precepts," meant for the daily use of Lanoos (disciples), and dedicated to "the Few"—those few who want to study, apply and promulgate. The Voice of the Silence is of great help to one who wishes to live the life, not in a haphazard way, not in terms of self-gratification, but in the way prescribed by the Sages.

Point out the "Way"—however dimly, and lost among the host—as does the evening star to those who tread their path in darkness.

This particular verse follows a significant statement on humility which it is necessary to keep in mind. In the spiritual life, each aspirant is at a different stage from all others. If we are not able to shine like the dazzling noon-day sun upon the snow-capped mount of purity eternal, then we can be like the evening star, which sheds its light, dimly though it be. Humility must always be observed when pointing out the "Way." The world is enveloped in moral and spiritual darkness, and therefore it is essential to keep the light of truth burning, in however small a degree. As the star-studded firmament dispels physical darkness and lights up the way of solitary wayfarers, helping them to reach their destination, so the light of truth helps one on the moral and spiritual planes. The student-practitioner has to emulate, in however humble a manner, those glorious figures down the ages who have pointed out the "Way" and who are eager and anxious always to have new recruits for their army of peace. They need those who can equip themselves for the great task of keeping alive their teachings, which are forgotten and lost cycle after cycle and have to be resuscitated. Masters need companions. Each one has to discipline himself to become a bridge between the snowy caps of purity eternal and the stir and din of the market place. Such a bridge was Mr. Judge.

The word "Way," it should be noted, is in quotes. It is a special kind of a way—the inner way which can be trodden without moving to east or west, north or south. It is an uphill climb from the mire of lies terrestrial to the glorious heights of the Nirvanic light, and in the end it transforms man into a super-man. Though one has to walk that path through one's own self-effort, there are other pilgrim-souls on the way, and we have the assurance that all the great teachers have travelled the same way. It is a difficult way, but we have been warned, by those who have gone ahead, of obstacles to be avoided and limitation to be conquered. So, with patience and perseverance, step by step, the goal can be attained. Unless one feels for the Cause of the Masters, unless one attunes oneself to humanity's great pain and suffering, unless one has the wherewithal to relieve that suffering, one is not ready to point out the "Way."

So many discoveries are made, but scientific and technological advancement cannot remove the sorrows and miseries of the world. The great teachers, being true scientists and psychologists of the highest order, are able to heal and cure the diseases of the mind and soul. They have indicated the root cause of the troubles afflicting the world, and have also pointed to the remedy, which requires the removal of ignorance and selfishness and the cultivation of virtue and wisdom, leading to joy and peace. The key-note of their teachings is altruism, without thought of personal gain. Therefore, purity of motive is essential. "To live to benefit mankind is the first step. To practise the six glorious virtues is the second."

To point out the "Way" by spoken or written word is indeed necessary, but far more important it is to live the life and set a noble example. This is how Mr. Judge accomplished all his work successfully, bringing out the practical aspect of the teachings in a simple way so as not to overwhelm the understanding of even a child. His own living example impressed all those around him. He wrote:

What we most need is such a Theosophical education as will give us the ability to expound Theosophy in a way to be understood by the ordinary person. (Vernal Blooms, p. 54)

U.L.T. exists to give Theosophical education, to give all possible help on an impersonal basis, to indicate the true concepts as given by all the great teachers, so that more and more people may derive benefit from them and become ready to point out the "Way."

The image of the evening star is most inspiring. Not only does it help the lonely traveller in the darkness, but during certain months of the year it changes its position from the west to the east and becomes the morning star heralding the dawn, the dawn of a new day, the dawn of a new year, the dawn of a new era, the dawn of a new age.

We owe a deep debt of gratitude to Mr. Judge for pointing out the "Way" so precisely through example and precept, in a simple and straightforward manner.