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. This system 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 attained through individual revelation or the use of some higher faculty. The transcendent characteristic of a godhead is what differentiates theosophical systems from speculative or absolute philosophical systems that generally proceed deductively from the idea of God. In the initial theosophical systems God was 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 philosophers such as Plato, Plotinus, Apollonius of Tyana, and in works of such mystics as Jakob Boehme and Paracelsus; 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 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 first 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.

Sources: 9, Joy Mills, The Theosophy Society in America 61.

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.)

The following articles are presented:
Absolute
Akashic Records
Atmic plane
Avichi
Avidya
Bodhisativa
Blavatsky, Helena
Petrovna
Curse of karma, The
Devas
Eighth Sphere
Esotericism
And The Feminine Principle
Etheric Double
Etheric Vision
Fifth Theosophical
Ray
First Theosophical
Ray
Fourth Theosophical
Ray
Green Ray
Lunar Pitris
Mahatmas
Manu
Manvantara
Moksha
Olcott, Henry Steele
Path, The
Pralaya
Root Races
Sanyojanas
Second Theosophical
Ray
Serepis, Master
Seven Rays of
Theosophy
Seventh Theosophical
Ray
Siddhl
Sixth Theosophical
Ray
Spiritual plane
Theosophical
concept of evil
Theosophical Society
Third Theosophical
Ray