Be a Lamp unto Yourself

By Kotha Satchidananda Murty (1924 - 2011).

278 Pages | First Edition 2000, Adyar Pamphlets New Series No. 2 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170593344.

'What alone serves as the light here for a man? The Self alone serves as his light.'

The Theosophical Society, founded in 1875, is a worldwide body, whose primary object is Universal Brotherhood based on the realization that life, in all its diverse forms, human and non-human, is indivisibly One. The Society imposes no belief on its members, who are united by a common search for truth and the desire to learn the meaning and purpose of existence by engaging themselves in study, reflection, purity of life and loving service. Theosophy is the Wisdom underlying all religions when they are stripped of accretions and superstitions. It offers a philosophy which renders life intelligible and demonstrates that justice and love guide the cosmos. Its teachings aid the unfoldment of the latent spiritual nature in the human being, without dependence or fear.

From the Conclusion (p. 20):

" Lastly, it is easy enough to say, 'Search for yourself; whatever you find in the end will be quite all right.' But this does not seem to be of much use in practice. That is why everybody, who has been a religious preacher or teacher has always added something more. For example: Follow, devote yourselves to one who is wise, who is able to lead, who is dutiful, who is noble, who is very learned and who is above all a good and disciplined (wo)man. 

This is from Dhammapada, Sukhavagga, 12.

But then the question arises: Where am I or you to find such a (wo)man? That is your business and mine. "