Pekka Ervast (b. 1875, d.1934), founder of the Finnish Rosy Cross (Ruusu-Risti in Finnish), was one of those rare cultural figures who sought to convey their profound spiritual experiences in a form accessible to the general public.
Ervast presented his spiritual and mystical experiences as the basis for his worldview and actions. In this, he differed from the way science and even traditional religion understand existence and human life. Ervast was a pioneer of the Finnish movement and left an extensive literary output. Moreover, he had a significant impact on Finnish social and cultural life.
The motto of the Theosophical Society is There is no religion higher than truth. Ervast also expressed this as Truth is the highest virtue. In this way, he emphasized the absolute ethical basis of spiritual life.