What is Theosophy?
Theosophy is a universal wisdom, fragments of which can be found in human cultures all over the world and at all times in history. It is the basis of the inner or mystical side of many philosophies and religions. Modern Theosophy is a contemporary statement of that tradition as set forth through the Theosophical communities.
What are the ideas behind Theosophy?
The three basic ideas of Theosophy are (1) the fundamental unity of all existence, so that all pairs of opposites—matter and spirit, the human and the divine, I and thou—are transitory and relative distinctions of an underlying absolute Oneness, (2) the regularity of universal law, cyclically producing universes out of the absolute ground of being, and (3) the progress of consciousness developing through the cycles of life to an ever-increasing realization of Unity.
That sounds abstract—what do those ideas mean in daily life and how do we live by them?
These abstract ideas have some very specific and practical implications, for example the following:
You and I are different expressions of the same life, so whatever happens to either of us happens to both of us—our well-being is linked: help your neighbour, and thereby help yourself.
Life and death are cyclic faces of our existence alternating each other in continuous succession. This is part of a perfect process of spiritual unfoldment: do not be afraid of death.
The purpose of being alive is to gather experience and learn, the purpose of dying is to assimilate the experience and develop: live with awareness and a learning spirit.
We develop as human beings, not by forsaking the world, but by cooperating with nature to preserve and perfect it: respect the environment and be ecologically responsible.
Disharmony and evil are the result of ignorance and selfishness: live in harmony and goodness to teach others by your life as well as by your words.
What specific doctrines do Theosophists believe in?
The Theosophical Society is nondogmatic and promotes freedom of thought for each one of its members. Theosophists, therefore, are encouraged to accept nothing on faith or the word of another but to examine these ideas and adopt only those that satisfy their sense of what is real and important. Modern Theosophy offers thus a way of looking at life rather than a creed, and presents ideas like the following for your consideration:
There is a Unity of all life animating every separate form in the universe.
Life and consciousness are present in all matter, in different degrees of expression.
The universe is multidimensional, with planes of experience beyond the physical.
Human beings are constituted by physical, vital, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions.
There is an evolution of spirit and intelligence as well as of physical matter.
The reality of free will and self-responsibility.
Human beings can participate consciously in their evolution, and accelerate or retard the process.
The law of reincarnation brings the soul once and again back into physical life to unfold its potential.
The law of karma regulates this process, adjusting causes and effects on the physical, moral, and spiritual planes.
The power of thought affects one's self and surroundings.
Since we are all one, altruism and a concern for the welfare of others, is a duty and the key to happiness.
The essentially perfect nature of humans will eventually manifest, as a result of the process of evolution.
What practices do Theosophists follow?
The members of the Theosophical Society are not asked to adopt any practice that does not appeal to their inner sense of reason and morality. Therefore, every Theosophist decides what practices and manner of living are appropriate for him or her. Some suggested practices implied by Theosophical ideas like those listed above are: regular meditation, both to gain insight into themselves and as a service to humanity; it has been a vegan interest promoter from its foundation that was before the word vegan coined in 1949. It encouraged a yogic diet, avoiding the use of furs or skins for which animals are killed; avoiding the use of products that artificially affect the normal state of consciousness, like alcohol or drugs (except under a doctor's order); supporting the rights of all human beings to being treated fairly, therefore supporting women's and minority's rights; respect of differences of culture and support of intellectual freedom.
What do Theosophists do in their meetings?
There is freedom for the members to organize their meetings in any way that may lead to the fulfilment of the Society's Objects. Meetings may typically consist of a talk followed by discussion; or the research, study, and discussion of a topic or book. Theosophy has no developed rituals, although meetings may be opened and closed by brief meditations or the recitation of short texts, and some groups use a simple ceremony for welcoming new members. There are no privileged symbols or icons in Theosophy, but various symbols from the religious traditions of the world are honoured. There are no clergy or gurus, other than democratically chosen officers (President, Secretary, Treasurer, etc.), who only have authority in administrative questions.
How do Theosophists regard religions?
Theosophy holds that all religions are expressions of humanity's effort to relate to one another, to the universe around us, and to the ultimate ground of Being. Particular religions differ from one another because they are expressions of that effort adapted to particular times, places, cultures, and needs. Theosophy is not itself a religion, although it is religious, in being concerned with humanity's effort to relate to ultimate values. In recognition of the value of religious practice and devotion as vehicles for self-transformation, Theosophy recommends, as Annie Besant exhorted, that one should “live one’s religion, not leave it.” Individual Theosophists profess various of the world's religions—Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Zoroastrian, Hindu, and Buddhist, among others. Some have no religious affiliation. Society itself is an expression of the belief that human beings, however diverse their backgrounds, can communicate and cooperate. As such, the Society provides an ideal platform for interfaith dialogue and mutual respect.
