Theos-Talk Archives (October 2001 Message tt00146)

October 7th 2001

WHAT IS THEOSOPHY ?

Since several recent postings have asked this question in one way
or another, here is a summary, a kind of set of SEED statements
of the chief items of Theosophical Wisdom. As further question
may arise, if they are posted to the Site, further explanations
can be presented.


"All of it (Theosophy) can be demonstrated to be wisdom based
on Law...it is "a great body of philosophical, scientific and
ethical doctrine, forming the basis and origin of all similar
thought...It is known as the "Wisdom Religion." It was "always
taught by adepts or initiates, who preserve it through all time."
It forms the "root" of all known religions.


These great Men, Masters of Wisdom, are also known as the
Brothers and the Adepts. They are the flowers of the human
race. They form an ancient brotherhood "concerned with the soul
development of man." And, this includes every process of
evolution on all planes. They hold that humanity, as an
intelligent "Ray" of the Great and universal UNKNOWN, is capable
of infinite perfection. This Adept Brotherhood resides on Earth,
but is generally unknown.


Mme. Blavatsky declared she was their "Messenger."


The foundation teachings of Theosophy rest on the UNKNOWN
Principle, concerning which, nothing is definable, yet it is the
universal substratum of all.


It IS, and is IN all THINGS and BEINGS....The whole universe is
alive and active in seven ways and on seven planes, all these are
cooperative and interactive. Spirit is its highest aspect in
manifestation. Matter is the pole opposite to Spirit, but has the
same origin. The UNKNOWN envelops them equally. Mind surveys
them equally from a point of balance between them.


The Spirit focalizes itself in those human beings who "permit it
to do so." "The refusal to permit it to do so is the cause of
all sin, suffering and sorrow"....


The perfectibility of the race constantly provides the
Brotherhood with new members, and as such they assist nature,
widen and deepen their consciousness, and take on the
responsibilities of their influence for good in the harmonious,
just and fair government of all... "This offers a sublime concept
of aim, and purpose for living. It agrees with the basic
yearnings of the soul, and it destroys pessimism and despair."


Man is a Conscious Spirit, and in him are conjoined Spirit,
Matter and Mind. His responsibility when he ascends to the human
stage, is to assist "matter" in spiritualizing and purifying
itself. Man perfected, becomes the conscious vehicle of Spirit.
To do this, man comes into "touch with all planes of nature."


The 7 principles of man as described,[Spirit, Wisdom, Mind,
Desire, Life, Astral form, and physical body] show that the
divine man or INDIVIDUALITY is a trinity, a thinker. It lives
life after life in a 4-fold "personality." It passes from
"house" to "house" by the process of reincarnation, and in those
embodiments it enjoys or suffers according to its deeds, chosen
by it in the past. The "Personality" or temporary "mask"
(persona) changes from life to life according to the choices
freely made by each "thinker.


Karma is the process instituted by Nature to harmonize choice
with the effects of choice. No mind-man can escape the effects
of his or her choice.


The spiritually conscious man is immortal, and has always
existed.. In him is embodied this universally just and fair law
of cause and effect. He is Karma. In one life he is known as a
personality, but in the stretch of eternity he is one Individual,
independent of name, form, or recollection." The Individual is
also called the Monad.


"Each man's life and character are the outcome of his previous
lives and thoughts. Each is his own judge, his own
executioner...each, by his own life reaches his reward, rises to
the heights of knowledge...and power of good for all"


Nothing is left to chance, or partiality, but all is under the
governance of law....His own spirit is the essence of this LAW.
Right ethics are ever the same: Universal Brotherhood.


From: THEOSOPHY GENERALLY STATED -- W Q J Articles, Vol. I,
p. 1

---------------------------------

Additional sources for Theosophical teachings are:


H.P.Blavatsky : The KEY TO THEOSOPHY (HPB)

H.P.Blavatsky : The SECRET DOCTRINE

H.P.Blavatsky :	ISIS UNVEILED

H.P.Blavatsky : The VOICE OF THE SILENCE

H.P.Blavatsky : ARTICLES (reprinted in )

13 Vols. of Blavatsky: COLLECTED WORKS

(Pub.: T P H)

3 Vols. of Blavatsky: COLLECTED ARTICLES

A MODERN PANARION

FIVE YEARS OF THEOSOPHY

(Pub.: The UNITED LODGE OF THEOSOPHISTS)


Most of these are ON LINE at BLAVATSKY NET --
http://www.blavatsky.net



DTB