What is Theosophy?




Blavatsky and Theosophy in eleven sentences:

      Madame Blavatsky was a psychic who lived in the late 1800's. She ‘channeled’ a set of religious teachings from a group of mystics called the Trans-Himalayan Brotherhood. (The word ‘channeled’ is used loosely, as Madame Blavatsky usually maintained full consciousness and full self-control while communicating with the Brotherhood.) According to the Brotherhood, all religious scriptures (Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, etc.) come from the same source, and are indirect versions of the original scriptures. Theosophy is the first direct release of the original scriptures.

      Theosophy teaches a detailed story of the creation of the universe and the human race. The Theosophical versions of these stories explain contradictions in the indirect versions of the various world religions' scriptures, while also showing the base commonality in all of them.

      The goal of Theosophists is Enlightment via reincarnation and karma. The Trans-Himalayan Brotherhood consists of a group of mystics who have all achieved Enlightenment, but remain with humanity in order to assist us with accelerating our progress along the Path towards Enlightenment.

      Theosophy encourages critical-thinking, the pointing out of religious contradictions, and a close examination of everyone's own personal belief system. No other belief system encourages such a critical examination, and places as much responsibility on each person for their own beliefs, as Theosophy.


Theosophy is:       Theosophy embodies a view of the universe, including theories on the origin and mysteries of the universe.

      The Theosophical Society is a world-wide organization which studies a set of religious and philosophical ideas, and tries to show how these beliefs are common to all religions.

      The Theosophical Society was founded in New York City in 1875, and today there are groups in some seventy countries. 30,000 people around the world call themselves Theosophists. Members (and non-members) have the opportunity to join in local discussions, study sessions, lectures, and self-study. Theosophical libraries, bookstores, study-centers, and retreat-centers are available.


-- The Three Objects of the Theosophical Society --


1. To form a nucleus of the Universal Brotherhood of Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or color.

2. To encourage the study of Comparative Religion, Philosophy and Science.

3. To investigate unexplained laws of Nature and the powers latent in man.
For further reading:

-- Not A Religion --


      Theosophy is not a religion. There are no clergy members, church buildings, church services, or church rituals. Rather, the Theosophical Society is a society which studies religious and philosophical ideas. The meetings are often study sessions, where the people choose a book to read and discuss. Lectures are another popular Theosophical activity. Many Theosophists also read books in their spare time. A list of internet addresses for local groups is available.

      Theosophy teaches that it does not matter which religion a person believes in. All religions lead back to the original source. It does not matter whether a person is a Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, etc. It is hoped that the application of Theosophical ideas will bring new vitality to one’s present religion.
      “Whether the person prays to the Buddha, to Vishnu, to Christ, to the Virgin, to the Father, it matters not at all; these are questions of mere dialect, not of essential fact.” (Annie Besant, The Seven Principles of Man, page 59, online).
      Theosophy does not recommend that people quit their present religion and join Theosophy. Rather, it is recommended that people remain members of their present religion, study Theosophy, and find the deep truths that all faiths have in common. These ideas were originally present in all religions, but may have been lost over the centuries.
      “No man in becoming a Theosophist need cease to be a Christian, a Buddhist, a Hindu ; he will but acquire a deeper insight into his own faith, a firmer hold on its spiritual truths, a broader understanding of its sacred teachings. As Theosophy of old gave birth to religions, so in modern times does it justify and defend them. It is the rock whence all of them were hewn, the hole of the pit whence all were dug. It justifies at the bar of intellectual criticism the deepest longings and emotions of the human heart : it verifies our hopes for man ; it gives us back ennobled our faith in God.” (Annie Besant, The Ancient Wisdom, pages 4-5 online or hardcopy).


For further reading on Theosophy not being a religion:


-- Freedom Of Thought --


      In Theosophy, everyone is free to choose beliefs, with the acceptance of its three objects being the sole condition of membership. Religious fundamentalism is strongly discouraged. (It is also against Theosophical principles to proselytize.)

      Rather, it is stressed that each person think for themselves, judge what they believe and do not believe, rejecting any ideas that do not make sense. As a result, open-mindedness abounds among Theosophists.

      For further reading on the freedom of thought in Theosophy:
Theosophical Society (Adyar): About the Society
http://www.ts-adyar.org/society.html
Read the section called “Freedom of Thought”


-- Altruism And Service --


      Annie Besant once wrote that devotion to truth, love for all beings, and a commitment to a life of active altruism and service are the marks of the true Theosophist. Theosophy stresses that serving mankind and showing compassion are key parts of being human.

      Charles Leadbeater once wrote, “Be it remembered that, in this path, growth is achieved only by him who desires it not for his own sake, but for the sake of service [to others]. Forgetfulness of self and an eager desire to help others are the most prominent characteristics of the student…; these characteristics must be equally prominent in any who aspire to follow [the examples given]. Without them consummation is impossible.”

      For further reading on Altruism and service in Theosophy:


-- Brotherhood --


      Central to the concerns of Theosophy is the desire to promote understanding and unity among people of all nationalities, philosophies, and religions. All people, irregardless of race, creed, sex, caste, or color, are invited to participate equally in the life and work of the Society.

      George Arundale once wrote, it is hoped that, through our work, social superstitions such as racial superiority, class and sect irreconcilabilities, religious antagonisms, and international disputes will cease to exist.

      For further reading:


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      For more introductory information on Theosophy:





Next: Lesson 2, The History of the Theosophical Society



 

 
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