The Theosophical Order of Service:
A union of those who love for the service of all who suffer 

"Let not the fierce sun dry one tear of pain before thyself hast wiped it from the sufferer's eye. But let each burning human tear drop on thy heart and there remain, nor ever brush it off, until the pain that caused it is removed." From "The Voice of The Silence" H.P. Blavatsky

In 1908 Annie Besant, then international president of the Theosophical Society, and herself an activist of great social conscience, founded the Theosophical Order of Service (TOS). Many members of the Society wanted to organize various lines of service for the active promotion of the First Object of the Society: To form a nucleus of the Universal Brotherhood of humanity without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or color. TOS offers a framework in which individuals may demonstrate practical and humanitarian actions in a theosophical spirit, whether or not they are members of the Theosophical Society.

"Theosophy must not represent merely a collection of moral verities, a bundle of metaphysical ethics epitomized in theoretical dissertation. Theosophy must be made practical, and has, therefore to be disencumbered of useless discussion. . .. It has to find objective expression in an all-embracing code of life thoroughly impregnated with its spirit--the spirits of mutual tolerance, charity and love. Its followers have to set the example of a firmly outlined and as firmly applied morality before they get the right to point out, even in a spirit of kindness, the absence of a like ethical unity and singleness of purpose in other associations and individuals."
A letter from an Elder Brother from "Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom, Second Series," edited by C. Jinarajadasa

Most TOS members are also members of the Theosophical Society. We invite you to become acquainted with the Society, especially to check out "The Theosophical World View" which inspires TOS activities. You can find this and other information at the web site of the American Section:
The Theosophical Society in America

The official journal of TOS is "For the Love of Life" currently published two times per year and mailed to members.

The Theosophical Order of Service is international in scope, autonomous in each country, and organized to meet the needs of its own communities. In the United States our address is:

Theosophical Order of Service
PO Box 660
Warrrenville, IL 60555

CONTACT US Your message will be forwarded if necessary. Or, write to the address above.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the Theosophical Order of Service is by donation of which $15 is reserved to cover the cost of a one-year subscription (2 issues) to our journal "For the Love of Life," which contains interesting articles from each of our departments. The remainder of your donation supports the general work of TOS and its various departments.

The Theosophical Order of Service is a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation. All of our workers are unpaid volunteers.

TOS invites you to join in the commitment to our fellow humans and to all of life on our planet. Please browse the departments.

Membership Application