Theosophy

Definition

Theosophy is a term for the synthesis of religion, philosophy and science. It is an endeavor to combine the mutual enrichment of the Eastern and Westernworlds. Theosophy is not a religion since is has no dogma, creed, or ritual.

History

The term theosophy is derived from the Greek theos (god) and sophia (wisdom), which denotes a philosophical-religious system that clams absolute knowledge of the existence and nature of the deity. Thissystem is distinctly separate from the system put forth by the founders of the Theosophical Society in 1875.

Originally this knowledge or theosophy, it was thought, could be attainedthrough individual revelation or the use of some higher faculty. The transcendent characteristic of a godhead is what differentiates theosophical systemsfrom speculative or absolute philosophical systems that generally proceed deductively from the idea of God.

In the initial theosophical systems Godwas conceived as the transcendent source of being, from whom human beings in their natural state are far removed. Such knowledge is divinely inspired,and is not a set of beliefs superimposed on humankind. This knowledge or wisdom is considered to underlie the teaching of all religion.

The concepts of Theosophy have occurred in philosophic systems China, India, and Egypt, and in the works of the Gnostics, Neoplatonists, and the Kabbalists, or the Jewish mystics. Theosophical thought appears in the works of philosopherssuch as Plato, Plotinus, Apollonius of Tyana, and in works of such mystics as Jakob Boehme andParacelsus; as well as other medieval mystics.

The current for of the word “Theosophy” comes from the Theosophical Society.

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 temporarycompared 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 ofcause 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 thecycle, attain freedom from attachment to matter, and eventually return to the Source from which they came, but with an incalculable increase of consciousnessas 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 masteryover 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 ofthe 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 thoughtto 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. Itrenders various reasons for many circumstances and processes which are not touched on by dogmatic religions and codified sciences.

In summary it postulatesthat matter, which comes from an immutable principle, is the instrument of life, that thought is the creative and molding power, and the experienceof 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 thatgoal. Included among them are Christ and Buddha plus other great spiritual teaching saviors. Others are lesser known, but continue to strive towardthis goal in obscurity which serves the welfare of humankind.

In this section are descriptions of the major founders/members of the Theosophical Society, and beliefs of Theosophy.(Many of the subjects fit into other Topics also.)