What is Theosophy?
Theosophy refers to an esoteric movement established in the United States during the late 19th century. Founded by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (a Russian immigrant) and others, Theosophy is known for drawing its teachings from a spectrum of esoteric texts and literature. It has been categorized as an amalgamation of the new religious movement and the occultist stream of Western esotericism by scholars. The notion is based on Asian religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism and older European philosophies such as Neoplatonism.
Blavatsky presented that Theosophy as a concept teaches that there has been an ancient brotherhood of spiritual experts known as the Masters. These masters are centered in Tibet and are found around the world. Blavatsky alleges that these Masters are wielders of incredible supernatural powers and wisdom. Many theosophists believe that it was these masters who initiated the modern Theosophical movement by spreading their teachings using Blavatsky. They also think that the eventual aim of these Masters is to attempt the revival of an ancient religion’s knowledge that was once found around the world. They believe this religion will again gain precedence over the world and will eclipse all the existing world religions.
Theosophical groups never consider their movement a ‘religion’ explicitly. Theosophy as a field of study aims at preaching a single, divine Absolute’s existence. Theosophy teaches that the ideal purpose of human life is one’s spiritual emancipation. It claims that every human soul has to undergo a process of reincarnation upon bodily death in accordance with the procedure of following one’s karma. Even though it does not endorse any particular ethical codes, Theosophy as a notion has been known to promote values of social improvement and universal brotherhood.
Theosophy has significantly brought the much-awaited learning and knowledge of Indian religions to Western countries. It has been known for encouraging cultural pride in several South Asian nations that found it difficult to do earlier. Theosophical teachings have influenced many prominent writers and artists as well. Many theosophical ideas have influenced other crucial philosophies and esoteric movements, such as Anthroposophy, the New Age, and the Church Universal and Triumphant. It had tens of thousands of adherents during the 20th century and is coveted for its international following.
Beliefs and Teachings
Even though several revisions and innovations have been made to the concept of Theosophy by Theosophists like Charles Leadbeater and Annie Besant, Theosophy is said to be primarily derived from Blavatsky’s writings. Blavatsky stipulated that these Theosophical beliefs and doctrines were not her invention. She argued that she had received these notions from a brotherhood of secretive spiritual experts referred to as the “Masters” or “Mahatmas.”
The Masters
Theosophical belief has its central motive spun around the idea that a group of spiritual adepts is known as the Masters. These masters are responsible for the production of all early Theosophical texts. For most believers of Theosophy, these Masters are known as the real founders of the modern Theosophical movement.
Also referred as the Masters of Wisdom, Masters of Compassion, Mahatmas, Adepts, and Elder Brothers, these Masters are perceived to be a part of a fraternity of human men who have achieved a high level of evolution. They are highly evolved individuals both in terms of having advanced intellectual attainment and moral development. They have been known to attain extra-long life spans.
They have also gained the ability to instantly project their soul out of their body to any other location and some other supernatural powers such as clairvoyance. They have achieved these powers after many years of rigorous training. Blavatsky has stated that by the late 19th century, their chief residence was in the Himalayan kingdom of Tibet. She also claimed that these Masters had been the source and inspiration for many of her published writings.
The ancient wisdom religion
According to Blavatsky’s teachings, many of the world’s religions have originated from a universal ancient faith or a ‘secret doctrine.’ This doctrine was known to Plato and early Hindu sages. She promoted the notion that most ancient societies eluded to an idea of the unity of science and religion that humanity has lost since then.
Blavatsky also mentioned that a secret brotherhood has worked towards conserving this ancient wisdom religion throughout the ages. Only the fraternity members can understand miracles, the afterlife, and psychic phenomena. Moreover, these members are themselves known for wielding paranormal powers.
Theology and Cosmology
Theosophy endorses an emanationist cosmology that promotes the belief that the universe is a reflection of the Absolute. Theosophy presents the notion that humans perceive the world as an illusion, or a Maya, an idea drawn from Asian religions. Under this stipulation, Blavatsky appealed that the perception that this imaginary world limits life. Theosophy teaches that all forms of human evolution are connected with more comprehensive cosmic evolution and planetary knowledge.
Personal Development, Reincarnation, and Karma
According to Theosophy, human life’s purpose is the soul’s spiritual emancipation. The human individual is believed to have emanated from the Solar Deity. It is believed that the human individual will eventually return to this deity. Composed of seven parts, the human being is presented to operate on three different planes of being.
These seven parts of being are the Animal Soul (Kama-Rupa), the Human Soul (Manas), the Body (Rupa), Vitality (Prana-Jiva), and the Spiritual Soul (Buddhi), the Astral Body (Linga Sarira), and the Spirit (Atma).
Theosophy understands karma’s existence as a regulation system for the cycle of reincarnation. It ensures that an individual’s actions affect the circumstances of their next life. This belief seeks to answer the question - why do misery and suffering exist in the world? Blavatsky states that karma and reincarnation are ‘inextricably interwoven.’
Morality and Ethics
Theosophy does not stand for any official ethical teaching. It has only promoted and expressed essential values, such as social improvement and brotherhood. During its formative years, the Theosophical Society promoted a puritanical worldview toward sexuality. For instance, they encouraged chastity even within the institution of marriage.
Rituals
Even though the Theosophical society suggests no specific ritual practices, various Theosophical groups have established some ritualized practices. Some such groups are the Liberal Catholic Church and the United Lodge of Theosophy meetings.