Theos-Talk Archives (November 2005 Message tt00221)

11/30/2005 4:49 AM

Dear Friends:

In answer:



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. 

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

In 1877 Madame Blavatsky, published: 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 correctness of the 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, and the
presence of the invisible Spiritual and psychological universe that
underlies, as energic Force, as the "causal motivation," that produces the
tangible physical realities 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
Zoroastrianism.

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 THY ,
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.]


In conclusion we might say: 

What is not Theosophy?


Here are a few considerations:

1
If you wish to trace the descent of the record of the WISDOM RELIGION from
past eras, go to the great texts of those religions and philosophies, that
cherish and enshrine them. However remember that all translations carry the
bias of the translator - and to that extent they are "opinionated." By
consulting a number of translations some of these biases are removed. The
final decision and choice is always out own. 

2
For THEOSOPHY; Go to the original writings of HPB and the Masters. Read
and study that. Then you will at least be sure what the original teachers
for this era said.

3
If you want a diversity of views not necessarily THEOSOPHICAL, then read
other books.

4
If you want opinions about THEOSOPHY, then consult other writers, but DO NOT
call those opinion that they offer: "THEOSOPHY."


It is said that THEOSOPHY has no two answers to any question.

If one gets different or conflicting answers, whom to trust?

Who is trying to impress who? And Why?

How much can we rely on our own common sense, intuition and power of thought
and capacity to be strictly and impartially logical? 


No reading or study is forbidden in THEOSOPHY -- but if in the experience of
a student something ought to receive a caution, then it is given on that
basis -- as a friendly warning. No prohibitions are needed. Karma takes
care of all decisions anyone makes.

As to teachers. At present there are only student/teachers. We all study,
and as inquiries arise, they pass along the information they have obtained
by study from the "original Teachings of THEOSOPHY," or other sources.

Everything has to be independently considered by the readers and
questioners. It is the basic principles that need to be known and applied.
(see below)

I find that the knowledge of those "original Teachings" is slowly
increasing. That is a good sign for the continuity of THEOSOPHY

There are no "leaders or teachers" who can give definitive answers to
problems. There are fellow students that can respond with leads for the
enquirer to use for his further study.

But having studied the writings of the Teachers (HPB and the Masters) of
this time and era, some writers can provide references, quotations and basic
concepts which enable enquirers to work out their own solutions.

The questions asked below, have to be answered by each student
independently -- their own common sense and sense of logic assist.

There is no "dead letter" or "literalism," and no "authorities" other than
ourselves, as we compare what we study with what we know.

The "Original teachings of THEOSOPHY" have to be treated as "guides."

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

Some basics:


3 FUNDAMENTALS


1 SPACE is everywhere, and cannot be measured. It is the UNIVERSE.

2. LAW is everywhere. It is always honest, true, fair, universal
and impersonal. It has many aspects and all are framed so as to support life
everywhere.

3. The EVOLUTION of all creatures and beings (including Mankind)
starts from the same single Spiritual Basis. It makes them all "brothers" in
fact, though their forms and beliefs may differ. Each follows his or her own
self-made path. In the end there is a Goal: it has been called SUPREME
PERFECTION -- also, ALL KNOWINGNESS (or WISDOM).

Even the material of all forms ( atoms, molecules, cells, etc. ) are
immortals and come from the same one SOURCE: SPIRIT.


4 BASIC IDEAS:


HERMES taught: "A stone becomes a plant. A plant becomes an animal, An
animal becomes a Man ( a THINKER), and, a Thinker becomes a
GOD. Never is anything made less or lowered again." [The word "God" used
here means a Thinker who can understand everything in the Universe - a
Prophet or a Wise Man - is a "Son of 'God.'" Basically we are all sons and
daughters of God -- the ONE UNIVERSAL SPIRIT -- ATMAN.

All progress is forward and upward and eventually we learn and know
everything.


1. REINCARNATION is the process by which all beings advance. The
forms constantly change. The Spirit that is within and behind the forms we
wear, and creates them, it NEVER DIES. We do NOT "die."

2. Sleep is death. Death is sleep. The CONSCIOUSNESS of each
individual always survives. The fear of "death" is abolished.

3. The Law Of Spiritual Development is through BROTHERHOOD. It is
mutual help and is always cooperative. It views Humanity and all beings as
a single family. Wisdom is the ability to understand law operating
everywhere in a moral and altruistic fashion

4. MAN'S (a Thinker) DUTY is to help all others.

Added all together, these are 7 of the principal points of Theosophical and
universal science, and in all true philosophies.

Think about them. Try to see if they are true. Ask all the questions you
want.

If you wish to study Theosophical propositions in greater detail, I suggest
you start with a simple text book like

The KEY TO THEOSOPHY (by H P B) (an Introduction to Theosophical
doctrines and the ethics of Theosophy to be applied - 300 pages), or

Mr. Judge's The OCEAN OF THEOSOPHY, ( a summary of The SECRET
DOCTRINE -- which is a book that covers the history of Cosmic evolution and
that of our Earth and humanity - as a host of spiritual beings all working
and living together for millions of years - 180 pages).

These are available for downloading from http://www.blavatsky.net and
http://www.ult-la.org .

===================

Best wishes, 

Dallas
 
==================================================


-----Original Message-----
From: prmoliveira
Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2005 2:10 AM
To: 
Subject: Re: Reincarnation of Lord Buddha here isReal message from Nepal

--


Is Theosophy belief? Is it a brain-child of HPB? Have we been talking 
about nothing? If you are right, you may have proven that the Wisdom 
Teaching is just an intellectual pastime and therefore an illusion. If 
you are wrong ... well, you can't be wrong.

pedro