An Introduction to Theosophy: Key Concepts

An Introduction to Theosophy: Key Concepts

Theosophy, a spiritual movement that seeks to explore the deeper aspects of existence and the mysteries of the universe, has intrigued and inspired individuals for over a century. Blending philosophy, religion, and science, Theosophy aims to uncover eastern mysticism, it’s key teachings and make it understandable for the masses. This article aims to touch just the surface of this movement, by providing an overview of Theosophy, tracing its origins and main teachings. All those key concepts will be presented in detail in future articles.

Origins of Theosophy

Theosophy, derived from the Greek words theos (God) and sophia (wisdom), essentially means "divine wisdom." The modern Theosophical movement began in the late 19th century, spearheaded by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and Henry Steel Olcott, who founded the Theosophical Society in New York City in 1875.

In Madame Blavatsky’s own words, “the name Theosophy dates from the 3rd century A.D and began with Ammonius Saccas and his disciples, who started the Eclectic Theosophical system.” 

Ammonius Saccas was part of a group of Alexandrian philosophers, called Philatheians, the name derived from Greek and meaning “lovers of truth”. Hence, the motto adopted by the Theosophical society: “There is no religion higher than truth”.

What is the goal of the Theosophical society?

The aim of this theosophic system, created by Ammonius, was to “reconcile all religions, sects and nations under a common system of ethics, based on eternal verities”, to promote the universal brotherhood without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or color. This principle aims to foster compassion, understanding, and unity among all people. Theosophists believe that all religions and philosophies are based on the same truth, the same wisdom and morals. This is why they sometimes use the expression “wisdom-religion”, when referring to their teaching, and this is the reason why theosophist may belong to different religions. It is in fact true, that if we look at deep analyses and comparative studies on ancient religions, we find merit in that statement. The “wisdom-religion” was in fact widely spread and taught in antiquity and “All the old worships indicate the existence of a single Theosophy anterior to them. The key that is to open one must open all; otherwise, it cannot be the right key.” (Eclect. Philo.)

The second and third goals of the society is to promote the study of ancient scriptures, of the world’s religions, sciences, old eastern literature and to investigate the hidden mysteries of Nature and the universe, and the psychic and spiritual powers of men.

Key Concepts in Theosophy

The One Absolute Reality

Theosophy posits the existence of one and absolute reality, “which antecedes all manifested, conditioned, being. This Infinite and Eternal Cause — dimly formulated in the ‘Unconscious’ and ‘Unknowable’ of current European philosophy — is the rootless root of ‘all that was, is, or ever shall be.” (The Secret Doctrine, Helena Blavatsky (I:14)). It is a concept, that cannot be understood by the mind, although it can be in a degree grasped in a spiritual sense.

Karma and Reincarnation

Theosophists consider Karma as the ultimate law of the universe, and the origin of all other laws, which exist in nature. Blavatsky describes it as “that unseen and unknown law which adjusts wisely, intelligently and equitably each effect to its cause, tracing the latter back to its producer.”

The Sevenfold spiritual constitution of man

“We find, first of all, two distinct beings in man: the spiritual and the physical. Therefore, we divide him into two distinct natures; the upper or the spiritual being, composed of three "principles" or aspects; and the lower or the physical quaternary, composed of four -- in all seven.”

The Higher Triad of three principles (“Manas”, “Buddhi” and “Atma”) is imperishable, while the Lower quintenary of principles (“Rupa”, “Prana”, “Linga Sharira” and “Kama Rupa”) is perishable and lasts a lifetime.

Universal Brotherhood

The first object of the theosophical society, as described in 1881 is “To form the nucleus of a Universal Brotherhood of Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour. the obvious philanthropic value of which must be beyond dispute, while the esoteric significance of a union formed on that plan, is conceived by the Founders, for reasons derived from a study of Oriental Philosophy, to be of great importance.”

The Masters of Wisdom

Theosophy states that there are advanced spiritual beings, known as Masters, Mahatmas, or Adepts, who guide humanity's spiritual evolution. These Masters are said to have developed advanced psychic and spiritual abilities, which are dormant in the human population. A common misconception is that these beings are incorporeal, but Blavatsky states, that: “In the first place they are living men, born as we are born, and doomed to die like every other mortal.”, thus confirming, that they are incarnated in human bodies, and as such, are suffering from some forms of physical limitations.