Theos-Talk Archives (January 2002 Message tt00310)

Monday, January 21, 2002


Dear Friends:

>From recent exchanges there appears to be some question as to
what Theosophy is.

Noticeable is also the confusion between the doctrines and tenets
of Theosophy and some personal opinions of historical events that
appear to have whirled around the word "theosophy," or about
those who made it available to us.

To make clear the distinction between these two is the endeavor
of this small contribution.



Theosophy is not to be confused with the opinions held concerning
the life and activities of those who are connected with or
associated wit THEOSOPHY the ancient philosophy.



Theosophy is said to be as ancient as the Universe, and to be a
record of the history of the reincarnation of Universes, as well
as of man-bearing Worlds, such as ours.

It records therefore the birth and "creation" of all Universes,
galaxies, Solar Systems, worlds, etc.. and with equal skill,
considers the importance of atoms, molecules and their smallest
components.

It views our universe and world as examples of fields of
evolution rules by exact and sensitive laws that serve to protect
and sustain all beings of whatever kind or degree, visible or
invisible.

Dallas

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THEOSOPHY -- What Is It ?




Our present day knowledge of Theosophy is derived from the
writings of Mme. H. P. Blavatsky. She lived between 1831 and
1891. Her providing of Theosophy as a philosophy, science and
religious Compend began around 1875.

In that year, historically, the Theosophical Society was launched
to promote and sustain three objects:

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

2.	To promote the study of Aryan [Noble] and other Scriptures, of
the World's religion and sciences, and to vindicate the
importance of old Asiatic literature, namely of the Brahmanical,
Buddhist, and Zoroastrian philosophies, and

3.	To investigate the hidden mysteries of nature under every
aspect possible, and the psychic and spiritual powers latent in
man... [ KEY TO THEOSOPHY, p. 39 ]


Today a number of fraternally affiliated yet, independent
Theosophical societies flourish and a United Lodge of
Theosophists exists which offers all students of whatever
affiliation a free forum for the study of the original literature
of Theosophy and cooperative work.

One may say that Theosophy in our modern World is aimed to
demonstrate the validity of "Universal Brotherhood," a
recognition of the "Family of Man.," and encouraging cooperative
work on an impartial, non-sectarian basis.

In 1877 Madame Blavatsky, published the book: ISIS UNVEILED. It
was a sensation. It went through many editions in rapid
succession. In this she reviewed the history of Science and
Theology in respect to the invisible and hidden side of Nature.
In response to questions and further demands, she founded and
edited, along with Col. H. S. Olcott the magazines The
THEOSOPHIST (India) in 1879, and later LUCIFER (London) in 1887.

In 1888 she published The SECRET DOCTRINE . Another sensation.
In this book, she provided a survey (as a summary taken from the
secret libraries and records of the age-old College of Adepts)
[see Isis, Vol. II, pp 98 - 103] of creation -- COSMOGENESIS, and
of Man's evolution, not only as a physical form, but
psychologically and spiritually -- ANTHROPOGENESIS.

In this she takes the reader through the metaphysics that form
the basic concept of Universal Evolution, and with their help,
she explains how it is the Spiritual Essence which informs and
energizes "material forms" with intelligence and consciousness.
Evolution, is therefore considered to be three-fold.

1. material in our bodies,

2. psychologically in our desires and thoughts, and

3. spiritually in our aspirations and virtuous urges.

In this she demonstrates the t view held by the ancient Sage
Patanjali : "The Universe exists for the Soul's experience."

Theosophy, in brief, deals with the "causes" for our existence, a
nd the presence of the invisible Spiritual and psychological
universe that underlies, as energic Force, as the "causal
motivation," of the visible Universe we are familiar with.

It posits the concept that every atom of matter (a "monad") is
alive and is aware in its own way. As an individuality it is
continuous, and never "dies." It has a spiritual, and immortal
center of energy, a "Force," which is the "cause" of its
existence. No event, no experience, is ever "lost," but all are
indelibly impressed on the living consciousness of these
innumerable "Monads." These, when condensed out of invisible
matter, make up the material "forms" we deal with daily. The
concept of "invisible" matter ("dark matter") is an old one to
Theosophy.

The "monads" are held, metaphysically, to be indissoluble
compounds of two "poles" of variance. These are held united by
the bond of interactive intelligence (Mind). They are "Spirit"
(as perfection and wisdom), and "Matter" (as limitation and ever
shifting form) bonded together for eternity as living units by
the unitary consciousness that gives them their permanent
individuality and immortality. Each of these three-fold Units
are said to be, as a "Force," inextinguishable.

Theosophy holds that it is these eternal "Pilgrims" that form all
the components of evolution. These provide in a regulated
manner, and through a vast process of planned evolution, the
individual development of that increasing Intelligence that is
innate to each of them. These increments and experience, lead to
self-conscious individualization. Expressed in various ways, but
essentially: "I AM I" It is held that evidence for this lies in
the existence of humanity. "I think, therefore I am," said
Descartes.

But the progress of the vast army of thinking and individual
Monads is held to proceed, from the level of intelligence we
might designate as the "Man-Mind," to a perception of, and an
understanding of the entire universe. [ "The Universe grows I."
is one way of expressing this.]

Since this course of learning would be impossible to achieve in a
single life-time, the process of "reincarnation" is said to
exist, both as a process and as a law of development. It is
averred that there is an ultimate goal of individual perfection
to be attained. This "ultimate goal" is expressed mystically, as
" Supreme Perfection," or "Universal Wisdom." It is a concept
that has long been held by ancient Brahmanism, Buddhism and
Zorastrianism.

It will be seen, on reflection, that these concepts provide, the
interactive basis, that every choice or change at any level has
ethical / moral consequences. Ancient Hinduism speaks of this as
"karma" or, the effects that are consequent upon any "choice."
For it is held that the "Mind-Man" is a free agent and his
decisions cause the progress of evolution for the whole Universe
to advance or slow down. [ It is for this reason that Patanjali
offered his observation quoted above. ] Karma provides for the
exact return of moral and any other impressions to whoever
generated any cause.

Our human physical forms are observed to become incapacitated and
grow incapable and obsolete over time. This leads to the
dissolution we call "death." But Theosophy posits that the
experiences of a life-time, as "memories," survive the death of
the physical form. They are the continued basis for every
increment of knowledge and wisdom. These memory-impressions are
said to be impacted in the imperishable spiritual aspect of every
Monad. From this, the remote Goal is posited as : Sublime and
Universal Perfection for each individual Monad.

With this in view, the reader is invited to look at the following
expressions abstracted from Theosophical literature.
================


"Theosophy is Divine Knowledge, or Science, "Divine Wisdom"
(Theo-Sophia) -- the term is many thousand years old." KEY TO
THEOSOPHY , p. 1.


"Theosophy is synonymous with everlasting Truth." KEY TO
THEOSOPHY, p. 302.


"We have no two beliefs or hypotheses on the same subject." KEY
TO THEOSOPHY , p. 72.


"Theosophy is the substratum and basis of all the world-religions
and philosophies taught and practised by a few elect ever since
man became a thinking being." The THEOSOPHICAL GLOSSARY p. 328.


"The "Wisdom Religion" is the inheritance of all the nations, the
world over." S D I xviii


"Theosophy [is]...the one bond of unity which is so universal and
all-embracing that no man, as no speck -- from gods and mortals
down to animals, the blade of grass and atom -- can be outside of
its light. Therefore any organization or body of that name
[Theosophical] must necessarily be a Universal Brotherhood."
H P B: IS THEOSOPHY A RELIGION ? H P B Articles, (U L T),
Vol. I, p 59,
[ LUCIFER Nov. 1888.]


Theosophy is Not New

This suggests that THEOSOPHY is not a new fangled system of
collated ideas drawn from many sources. In fact, if it were even
that, then the marvel is of HPB's mind and capacity in drawing
such a vast diversity together and showing how the many pieces
fit together to form a seamless whole in the world of ideas and
concepts. In our experience and wide reading, there is no one
who has written such a comprehensive view of our world, universe
and the important part that Mankind plays in that.


Who was H. P. Blavatsky?

HPB does not claim "authority." She claims to be a "messenger."
Specifically a messenger from the Great and Ancient Lodge of
ADEPTS.

In both ISIS UNVEILED and The SECRET DOCTRINE she disclaims any
personal authority and gives the credit for the records she
transmits to the Real Authors, the Mahatmas. [ see certificate
of authorship, by H P B and the two Mahatmas, PATH, Vol. VIII,
p. 1 ]

Since she was well aware that Theosophical theories and
hypotheses would be received with various degrees of incredulity
from the academies, she was careful to make it clear that the
information was in reality taken from the HISTORY that the Adepts
and their disciples (chelas) had recorded down the ages. All
that she requested was "equal time" and an open-minded
consideration of what Theosophy had to offer.

She wrote in ISIS UNVEILED :

"When, years ago, we first traveled over the East, exploring the
penetralia of its deserted sanctuaries, two saddening and
ever-recurring questions oppressed our thoughts: Where, who what
is GOD ? Who ever saw the IMMORTAL SPIRIT of man, so as to be
able to assure himself of man's immorality?

It was while most anxious to solve those perplexing problems that
we came into contact with certain men, endowed with such
mysterious powers and such profound knowledge that we may truly
designate them as the sages of the Orient. To their instructions
we lent a ready ear. They showed us that by combining science
with religion, the existence of God and immortality of man's
spirit may be demonstrated like a problem of Euclid. For the
first time we receive the assurance that the Oriental philosophy
has room for no other faith than an absolute and immovable faith
in the omnipotence of man's own immortal self. We were taught
that this omnipotence comes from the kinship of man's spirit with
the Universal Soul--God ! The latter, they said, can never be
demonstrated but by the former. Man-spirit proves God-spirit, as
the one drop of water proves a source from which it must have
come...all the rest may be inferred...Blind faith would no longer
be necessary, he would have supplanted it by KNOWLEDGE....prove
the soul of man by its wondrous powers--you have proved God !" I
U , Vol. I , p. vi

"The essence of Theosophy is the perfect harmonizing of the
divine with the human in man."
H P B -- FIVE MESSAGES TO AMERICAN THEOSOPHISTS , p. 6.



What does Theosophy teach?

The immortality of man's Spirit/Soul and the "God-Spirit," being
present in every "life-atom" of our living universe are
fundamental concepts. Everything in Nature may be seen to trend
in its life-experience towards a higher degree of knowledge,
wisdom, perfection.

Each life-cycle (incarnation) is like a separate day at school
and all are drawn together by the uniting thread of the immortal,
and eternal spiritual Self which is at their core. In fact she
shows how Theosophy traces the evolution of the "consciousness
and intelligence" of the SPIRITUAL SOUL or Monad, through many
forms -- from the atom to the human condition of independent
free-will.

This sweep and concept is one that can be traced in every one of
the great religions and philosophies of the world. It is the
record of their existence and of our participation, again and
again, in those processes.


"Her main teachings can be reduced to the following propositions:

That Morals have a basis in Law and in fact.

That Moral law is Natural Law.

That Evolution makes for Righteousness.

That the "fundamental identity of all souls with the Oversoul"
renders moral contagion possible through the subtle psychic
medium.

That the Spiritual Identity of all Being renders Universal
brotherhood the only possible path for the truth-	seeking man."
[ H P B Articles (U L T ) Vol. I p. 115. From: SHE BEING
DEAD YET SPEAKETH
-- PATH, July 1892 ; Vol 7, p. 121 ]


"True Theosophy is everything that aids or elevates mankind; and
our chief object is not so much to gratify individual
aspirations, as to serve our fellow men." PATH, Vol. IV, p.,
96



Theosophy the Root of All Religions

Currently there is debate as to whether Theosophy has its roots
in Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, etc... It is understood that
scholars who are familiar with those systems and their
development can trace similarities. However HPB claims that all
those were derived from the "Sanatana Dharma," the "Perennial
Philosophy." which is an ancient and universal record of Life's
development and history.

As such, it claims to be at the root and at the origin of all the
great ancient religio-philosophical systems and provides a reason
for their development, as systems of practice, leading to that
kind of "initiation" which develops Wisdom in thought and mind as
well as, simultaneously, the application of compassion and
harmlessness in motive.

"...the Wisdom-Religion was ever one, and being the last word of
possible human knowledge, was therefore, carefully preserved. It
preceded by long ages the Alexandrian Theosophists [ 1st Cent.] ,
reached the modern, and will survive every other religion and
philosophy." KEY TO THEOSOPHY , p. 7.


Thus, Theosophy is not exclusively religion, or philosophy but
also includes science -- as the power to investigate and record
the workings of NATURE (Life as a whole) in every stage, visible
or invisible, and in every department of the world and our
Universe.

The sweep of the ever-present immortal Life, through cycles of
evolution lead each Monad at last to a "goal," the
"all-Knowingness" of the PERFECTED MAN. The designation Mahatma
(Great Soul) is one that includes all such self-developed men of
superior knowledge and nature.

The SECRET DOCTRINE therefore speaks of those as the intelligent
guides {Dhyan Chohans, and Dhyani Buddhas], and Self-conscious
assistants that Nature employs to recreate and supervise a fresh
evolutionary effort, a "new Day," of evolutionary progress for
all beings.


Encourages Independent Inquiry

If this is grasped, as a working and actual concept, the minute
details and studies of specialists, while respected, as
continuing proof of the inclusive nature of Theosophy, are also
shown to be but the outer covering, or, to be but some one way
selected to approach to the interior mystery of man's own
immortal Mind, and of Nature's infinite capacities to assist that
Mind to grow. The process Nature employs is reincarnation. It is
reembodiment under the exacting Law of universal Karma.

If this infinite capacity of the human mind to grow and to
understand the most simple, as well as the most complex subjects
is granted, the more learned will continually encourage those who
now are at various stages of learning to investigate and prove
for themselves all avenues, however diverse, of information,
tradition and lore. And that is the always growing tip of the
self-enlightening Mind. It always widens out to that which is
permanent and universal, when given a chance to emerge from
ignorance, doubt, skepticism and lethargy of authoritarianism.

"[ THEOSOPHY ] Its creed is Loyalty to Truth, and its ritual "To
honor every Truth by use." K E Y


"The true Theosophist is a philanthropist -- "not for himself,
but for the world he lives." This and philosophy, the right
comprehension of life and its mysteries will give the "missing
basis" and show the right path to purse." -- Mahatma K. H.


Universal Science, Religion and Philosophy

In regard to the prevalence and diffusion of theosophy as a
science and a philosophical religion, it has been expressed :--


"Proofs of its diffusion, authentic records of its history, a
complete chain of documents, showing its character and presence
in every land, together with the teaching of all its great Adepts
exists to this day in the secret crypts of libraries belonging
to the Occult Fraternity." S D I xxxiv.


"The members of several esoteric schools...claim to have in their
possession the sum total of sacred and philosophical works in MSS
and type; all the works, in fact, that have ever been written,
in whatever language or character since the art of writing began;
from the ideographic hieroglyphics down to the alphabet of Cadmus
and Devanagri." S D I xxiii


"The work [ISIS UNVEILED ] now submitted to public judgment is
the fruit of a somewhat intimate acquaintance with Eastern adepts
and study of their science....It is an attempt to aid the student
to detect the vital principles which underlie the philosophical
systems of old....We believe in no Magic which transcends the
scope and capacity of the human mind, nor in "miracles." I U I
p. i


"Our work, then, is a plea for the recognition of the hermetic
philosophy, the anciently universal Wisdom-Religion, as the only
possible key to the Absolute in science and theology." I U I
p vii


"The SECRET DOCTRINE is not a treatise, or a series of vague
theories, but contains all that an be given out to the world in
this century." S D I xxxviii


"The aim of this work [ The SECRET DOCTRINE ] may be thus
stated: --

1. To show that Nature is not "a fortuitous concurrence of
atoms,"

2. and to assign to man his rightful place in the scheme of the
Universe;

3. to rescue from degradation the archaic truths which are the
basis of all religions;

4. and to uncover, to some extent, the fundamental unity from
which all spring

5. finally to show that the Occult side of Nature has never been
approached by the Science of modern civilization." S D I
viii



The Future

"The problem of true Theosophy and its great mission are, first,
the working out of clear unequivocal conceptions of ethic ideas
and duties, such as shall best and most fully satisfy the right
and altruistic feeling in men; and second, the modeling of
these conceptions for their adaptation into such forms of daily
life, as shall offer a field where they may be applied with most
equitableness. Such is the common work placed before all who are
willing to act on these principles." From THE GREAT MASTER'S
LETTER,
LUCIFER, January, 1888, Vol. I p. 344. U L T Pamphlet No. 22,
p. 13


"Theosophy alone can gradually create a mankind as harmonious and
as simple-souled as Kosmos itself; but to effect this
theosophists have to act as such... [helping] to awaken the
spirit in many a man"
H P B Articles (U L T) , Vol. I, p. 105 -- THE TIDAL WAVE.
[LUCIFER, Nov. 1889.]

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