Back to Home Page or Contents Page or Theosophy or Index
Theosophy
Theosophical principles:
The cardinal principles are (1) There exists an "omnipresent, eternal,
boundless and immutable principle" from which the visible world arises.
(2) Universes come and go, and our universe is the periodical manifestation
of immaterial reality. (3) The universe, with everything in it, is temporary
compared with the eternal immutability of the One. (4) Everything in the
universe, throughout its kingdoms, is conscious of its own nature and degree.
(5) The universe, is not the product of chance, but is worked and guided
from within. (6) The whole order of nature gives evidence of purposiveness.
(7) Every individual is fundamentally identified with the universal Oversoul
and evolves through cycles of reincarnation in accordance with the law of
cause and effect called karma.
The process of cosmic manifestation is considered to have two phases: The
fist is involution, during which billions of units of spiritual consciousness,
called "monads," emerge from the One undifferentiated Source.
They continually become more deeply involved in matter in the mineral, vegetable,
and animal kingdoms and, through the limitations and impacts of this condition,
finally attain self-consciousness in the human kingdom. The second phase
is evolution, during which these self-conscious units, as humans,
gradually unfold the potentials inherent in them from the beginning of the
cycle, attain freedom from attachment to matter, and eventually return to
the Source from which they came, but with an incalculable increase of consciousness
as a result of their aeonic pilgrimage. Theosophy denies that the human
spirit can ultimately be lost, because it is intrinsically eternal and indestructible.
Through successive reembodiments in physical form, with accompanying motional,
mental, and psychic responses to experience, the spirit attains mastery
over its vehicles, and man reaches the expression of his godhood.
Theosophical tasks:
Theosophy examines the underlying of basic wisdom or thought of various
religious teachings that have been important in the development of humankind.
This examination does not seek to draw away anyone from the religion that
he belongs to, but to give an rational explanation and interpretation of
the inner meanings of the creeds and ceremonies of religion.
Theosophical examination is conducted by observation, experimentation, organization
and hypothesis. Through the use of these techniques Theosophy may be thought
to be scientific, although it makes no pretense of encompassing the .indefinite
number of specializations and hypotheses of the advanced sciences.
In its philosophical aspect Theosophy postulates a logical explanation for
the universe and its laws, and of man's origin, evolution and destiny. It
renders various reasons for many circumstances and processes which are not
touched on by dogmatic religions and codified sciences. In summary it postulates
that matter, which comes from an immutable principle, is the instrument
of life, that thought is the creative and molding power, and the experience
of joy and suffering is the mean to the development of character and ability
and the consequent attainment of spiritual power and wisdom.
Theosophy maintains that the attainment of spiritual power and wisdom is
within the reach of everyone, and there are those who have reached that
goal. Included among them are Christ and Buddha plus other great spiritual
teaching saviors. Others are lesser known, but continue to strive toward
this goal in obscurity which serves the welfare of humankind. A.G.H.